UConn’s communications director, Bobby Mullen, has issued an apology to a Charlotte sports reporter after allegedly threatening to “ruin” his life following the reporter’s post of an unflattering video of Huskies coach Dan Hurley after the team’s second-round March Madness loss to Florida on Sunday.
Joey Ellis of Queens City News in North Carolina shared an update on Wednesday via X, saying, “Just a quick (and hopefully final) update: Bobby Mullen and I spoke a short time ago, during which he apologized for his behavior. I accepted it … and life rolls on.” He did not provide further details about their conversation. The Post has confirmed the conversation and apology.
Ellis’ post came two days after he filmed and shared a video of an emotional Hurley walking into the tunnel following the Huskies’ 77-75 loss to top-seeded Florida in the Round of 32 at PNC Arena in Raleigh. Hurley was heard saying, “I hope they don’t f–k you like they f–k us, Baylor. I really hope they don’t,” which appeared to be a reference to the referees.
The video quickly went viral, garnering over a million views on X. According to Queen City News, Mullen allegedly told Ellis that he would “ruin his life” if the video wasn’t removed. In a statement about the incident, Mullen explained that the reporter was in a restricted area when the video was recorded.
Mullen added, “The lasting image of coach Hurley leaving the court should have been him walking off arm-in-arm with his seniors, overwhelmed with emotion. Instead, a reporter was in an area he should not have been and recorded a private comment made to members of another coaching staff.”
Mullen did not address the alleged threat, which was reportedly overheard by other reporters and staff members, according to Charlotte Sports Live. Both Charlotte Sports Live and Queen City News have stood by Ellis’ reporting. As of Wednesday, Mullen and UConn have not officially confirmed the apology.
