Texas A&M's Mike Elko apologizes for 'cesspool' comment, criticism of fans

Elko drew backlash for his characterization of a section of the Aggies’ fan base following Saturday’s 21-point loss to Missouri

Elko drew backlash for his characterization of a section of the Aggies It took about 48 hours for Mike Elko to walk back his criticism of Texas A&M's online fan base in the wake of a lopsided 27-6 loss to Missouri. In his postgame press conference on Saturday, Elko referred to "Billy's cesspool" when differentiating the fan base at large from those who criticize the Aggies on social media. It was a thoughtless answer that drew plenty of justified criticism across college football media, including CBS Sports' Brandon Marcello. On Monday, Elko apologized to the fans and to Billy Liucci, the co-owner of the popular TexAgs fan site. "I think in the heat of the moment, I answered a question in a way that I certainly regret," Elko said during his press conference.

"I think everybody knows I have a tremendous relationship with Billy. I appreciate Billy. I appreciate him being here today. There's nothing about Billy and I that have ever been off since 2018. I think everybody knows I appreciate our fan base and everything that they're about and everything that they mean to Texas A&M. "And outside of that, I'll leave it alone. I regret the way it was taken. I regret the way it came out. I regret the way it ran. And so that certainly