'No business being there': Matthew McConaughey slammed for being on sidelines during Texas Longhorns game

A passionate Texas Longhorns supporter, Matthew McConaughey, faced backlash for being on the sidelines during a crucial game
UPDATED JAN 2, 2024
 Matthew McConaughey's passion for the University of Texas football team is legendary amongst Longhorns fans (espn/X)
Matthew McConaughey's passion for the University of Texas football team is legendary amongst Longhorns fans (espn/X)

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: Matthew McConaughey's passion for the University of Texas football team is legendary amongst Longhorns fans.

But the Oscar-winning actor and Texas superfan is facing harsh criticism from internet this week for his attention-grabbing antics on the sidelines during the Longhorns' crushing 37-31 Sugar Bowl loss to Washington Huskies on Monday night, January 1.



 

Texas Longhorns ended up losing 37-31 on dramatic last-second play

As he often does before big University of Texas football games, McConaughey posted a hype video on social media rallying Longhorns before the pivotal Sugar Bowl matchup against the Washington Huskies, as per Austin American-Statesman.

In the video, which garnered over 1.6 million views across platforms, McConaughey had touted the Longhorns' explosive offense and challenged the defense to step up against a talented Washington team, saying the "secondary is going to be tested all day."

He offered enthusiastic praise for both the offensive line and receivers' contributions as keys to winning. McConaughey urged the Longhorns to "run them out of New Orleans" and advance in the playoffs.



 

However, Texas ended up losing 37-31 on a dramatic last-second play, dashing their national championship hopes. And during the game, photos emerged on social media of McConaughey pacing the sidelines just feet from players and coaches instead of watching from the stands like normal spectators, according to The Dallas Morning News.

For the actor and University of Texas alumni, who is also a professor of practice at its Moody College of Communication, being so close to the action as the team lost, sparked immediate criticism.

Matthew McConaughey on April 6, 2005 at MTV Studios - Times Square in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Gregory Pace/FilmMagic)
McConaughey posted a hype video on social media rallying Longhorns before the pivotal Sugar Bowl matchup. (Photo by Gregory Pace/FilmMagic)

Internet erupts with discontent over Matthew McConaughey's sideline positioning

During the game, as McConaughey found himself on the sidelines rather than among the general crowd, the internet erupted with discontent over his positioning.

One user quipped, "Guy has convinced himself he’s an assistant coach."

Another expressed surprise at the potential risks, stating, "I watched a university football game from the sidelines w/my camera. Those players move fast and can be in your space in a flash. I am surprised they didn’t make him move back."



 



 

A third commenter emphatically stated, "Exactly. No business being there."

Others were more direct, with one person bluntly saying, "Go away McConaughey!!"

Another expressing strong disapproval, saying, "I hate him and we agree. Get off the damn sideline."



 



 



 

Another user drew comparisons to McConaughey's intrusion, stating, "I'd like to see them trounce through a movie set or stand on stage at an award show. He should be in the stands like every other non-essential or be at every practice."



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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