UTEP Basketball Coach Tim Floyd snaps at Steve Kaplowitz: “You’re Fiction”

UTEP Head Basketball Coach, Tim Floyd, confronted local sportstalk radio host Steve Kaplowitz Tuesday.

“Why would I call you every time you throw out something that is incorrect? I’ve got other things to do with my job. I can’t do that 24/7,” Floyd said addressing Kaplowitz, “We’ll give you information when we’re ready to give you information. But I’m going to give it to people who are responsible.”

Floyd disputed reports of players leaving because they were not happy with the UTEP Athletic Department. “It’s complete fiction, what’s coming out of his mouth and he wants me to go on the air and respond to that,” Floyd said, “Some rumor that comes from some blogger, from some website, as if he’s getting his (information) from CBS sports, or ABC sports or ESPN.”

During the news conference, Floyd reminded the media he went on Kaplowitz’s show several times while he was coaching the Chicago Bulls and USC. “It was only as a favor to Don Haskins and I wish I hadn’t done that,” Floyd said.

“You’re classless for saying that in front of the media,” Kaplowitz said, visibly upset. He reminded Floyd polls of fans in El Paso show many are upset with the performance of the men’s basketball team in recent years.

Floyd immediately fired back. “Don’t shake your head. You know I’m dead ass right. It’s fiction. Your show is fiction,” Floyd said.