Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSunday, June 21, 2026

James Franklin says he wasn’t calling all Mizzou fans rude, just that one guy

Did Missouri’s quarterback fire a shot at his own fanbase, or did he misspeak?

Senior Missouri Tigers quarterback James Franklin spoke to a smaller gathering before entering the main hall at SEC Media Days. Before hitting the big room, he was asked about which fanbase is the SEC's rudest. His answer was not exactly popular among his own fans and rapidly made the rounds on Twitter:

Asked to clarify that comment, Franklin indicates he meant to reference a particular Missouri fan, who issued “the worst comment I got,” not all Missouri fans.

“I definitely don’t wanna repeat what he said,” Franklin said with a glowing smile. He said everything with a glowing smile, as well as yes ma’ams and yes sirs. Just want to emphasize the glowingness.

“I guess it has gotten out of context,” he said after hearing about his remark’s social media impact. “Someone pulled me aside, and I said, “Oh man, I’m gonna be in trouble for this one.’”

Franklin’s unique personality hasn’t quite squared with the stereotypical SEC quarterback’s before, particularly during his injury-plagued 2012 season. Certain Mizzou fans (and others) have questioned his leadership at times. The two-year starter had shoulder surgery in April.

More from SB Nation:

Loads of SEC Media Days coverage, live from Hoover

Projecting every 2013 college football conference race

Tons of top recruit interviews from SB Nation at The Opening

Bill Connelly’s Pac-12 team preview series is underway

National recruiting coverage

Today’s college football news headlines

College Football
The NCAA can appeal Brendan Sorsby’s shocking reinstatement, but Texas law isn’t on their sideThe NCAA can appeal Brendan Sorsby’s shocking reinstatement, but Texas law isn’t on their side
College Football

A big can of worms has been opened in college sports

By Mark Schofield
College Football
Here’s your first look at ‘College Football 27’ and ‘Madden 27’Here’s your first look at ‘College Football 27’ and ‘Madden 27’
College Football

Mascot game! Tush push!

By James Dator
NFL
Brendan Sorsby’s gambling allegations could end his college football career. Is NFL Supplemental Draft next?Brendan Sorsby’s gambling allegations could end his college football career. Is NFL Supplemental Draft next?
NFL

Brendan Sorsby calls out NCAA hypocrisy as his football future is uncertain

By Mark Schofield
College Football
NAACP urges black athletes to reject recruiting in racially gerrymandered statesNAACP urges black athletes to reject recruiting in racially gerrymandered states
College Football

The NAACP is asking athletes to take up the fight for voting rights.

By James Dator
College Football
Oregon coach asks recruits about their favorite ice cream, and it actually makes senseOregon coach asks recruits about their favorite ice cream, and it actually makes sense
College Football

Oregon coaches have a strange question for potential recruits.

By Mark Schofield
NFL
Why Jeremiyah Love brings top-5 value to NFL Draft as a RBWhy Jeremiyah Love brings top-5 value to NFL Draft as a RB
NFL

The Notre Dame star is the rare running back worth a top-10 or even top-5 pick.

By Mark Schofield