Play-by-play announcers bring an extra layer of excitement to the game. The Dick Vitales and Bill Rafterys of the world have played a huge role in making the sport we love even more thrilling. But not every announcer is a fan favorite. Sometimes, it’s because of a clear bias toward a certain team or a hot take that rubs fans the wrong way. There are moments when viewers would rather hit mute than listen to the commentary. And it looks like Steve Lappas has become one of them! What did he say this time?

Steve Lappas had a coaching career that spanned over 17 years, earning accolades like a Big East and NIT title. He led programs like Villanova and UMass before joining CBS in 2005 after being let go by the Minutemen. It’s been two decades since then, and Lappas has established himself as one of the best commentators in the game. But hey, even the best have their off days!

During the Tennessee-Kentucky game, Lappas had a moment that didn’t sit well with fans. When Koby Brea lost his shoe on the court, the 71-year-old commentator couldn’t resist sharing his thoughts. “When I was playing I never saw sneakers fall off. Do these kids tie them?”

Lappas has been a winner through high school and college, playing basketball. The 71-year-old was a three-year letterwinner in basketball and served as the team’s captain in his junior season at City College of New York. Add a coaching career lasting from 1977 to 2005 to that, and you’d least expect an irrelevant comment coming out of him. A little déjà vu? It was Jalen Rose infuriating the fans last week with little reflection of his college basketball knowledge.

His comment, “One shot. One kill. One shining moment,” did rounds on Reddit, and his overlapping commentary ticked off spectators on X. Karl Ravech wasn’t spared either when his play-by-play comment surrounding the SEC conference in February made little sense, while Tim Brando got called out for his narratives.

So we mean it when we say announcing has been a tricky job. We have had Tom Hart’s brilliant hoops-first broadcasts and we have had Bob Knight’s philosophy. Remember “You don’t play against opponents, you play against the game of basketball”? Or Rafterys’ “Look at the clock!…When you’re sleepless in Seattle, why not get…a little KISS?!…Major…ONIONS!” Commentators have been a joy to listen to. So when you bring a sneaker falling off, it wasn’t the most impressive calling. Only natural that the fans express distaste.

Fans fume as Steve Lappas makes a blunder

Of course, his comments on Koby Brea didn’t set well with the fans. “He may be the most annoying announcer i have ever heard!” one commented. Another fan joined in, calling him “insufferable”

While Lappas’ comment wasn’t ideal, it’s hard to overlook the work he’s put in over the years. The 71-year-old has called some incredible games, and his chemistry with Andrew Catalon has become a staple of NCAA broadcasts. Fans still talk about their legendary calls, like Fairleigh Dickinson’s upset over Purdue and the Creighton-Oregon overtime thriller.

Lappas’ ability to break down complex plays while keeping things light with Catalon has made their duo beloved. Sure, everyone makes mistakes, and Lappas admits he’s not a “TV guy,” but that doesn’t stop the opinions from flying. One fan tweeted,“Steve Lappas may be the worst commentator I have ever heard. I’d rather listen to Gary Danielson.” While another fan added saying, “It’s time to take Steve Lappas off the airwaves.”

Now, Gary Danielson distaste is understandable. The veteran CBS commentator, who will be retiring this year, has often been criticized for his apparent obsession with Alabama. His consistent praise for the Crimson Tide has rubbed many fans the wrong way. But Lappas, on the other hand, hasn’t faced that kind of scrutiny. He hasn’t been under the microscope for showing bias toward any specific team yet.

Sports commentary is truly a funny job. Just last week, Lappas was getting praised for calling the St. John’s vs. Arkansas game. Athletic’s Chris Vannini even said after the game that Steve was his favorite commentator. “I realize every March that Steve Lappas might be my favorite basketball color commentator,” he said. But fast forward a week, and now he’s a villain in the eyes of fans! “He’s terrible,” one more added. That’s just the nature of this job!