CHARLOTTE (CHARLOTTE SPORTS LIVE) — UConn’s Director of Communications Bobby Mullen has apologized to Charlotte Sports Live reporter Joey Ellis for his outburst on Sunday.
Ellis captured the viral video of UConn head coach Dan Hurley as he was walking off the court after his team’s 77-75 loss to Florida in the Round of 32. Hurley was heard saying, “I hope they don’t **** you like they ****** us,” to Baylor as they were about to take the court, likely referring to the officiating.
Shortly after Ellis posted the video, Mullen approached Ellis and reportedly threatened to “ruin his life” if he didn’t take down the video, a comment that was heard by other reporters and staff nearby.
In a statement requested by CSL management, Mullen said, “… a reporter was in an area he should not have been, recorded on his cell phone a private comment made to members of another coaching staff.”
Ellis denied those allegations and said he was somewhere that was allowed for media and allowed for them to record, which is not allowed in the bowl of the arena at any March Madness game. CSL and Queen City News stood by Ellis and supported his journalistic integrity.
According to Ellis, he and Mullen spoke privately on Tuesday morning to apologize for those comments, and Ellis accepted his apology.
Just a quick (and hopefully final) update: Bobby Mullen and I spoke a short time ago, to which he apologized for his behavior. I accepted it … and life rolls on. https://t.co/LymGRxJpYf
— Joey Ellis (@Jellis1016) March 25, 2025
