Texas A&M coach Mike Elko says he regrets 'cesspool' remark after Missouri loss

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko said he regrets a viral remark in which he described the program's situation using the word “cesspool,” made shortly after the Aggies' loss to Missouri.

Elko told reporters the comment was made in the heat of the moment, in the emotional aftermath of a defeat, rather than reflecting a considered view of the program. He did not elaborate at length on what specifically he had intended to convey.

The remark spread quickly after the game, drawing attention from fans and media covering the program given the timing, just after a loss that may have heightened frustration around the team.

By publicly walking back the comment, Elko appears to be trying to limit any lasting fallout from the remark and refocus attention on the team's performance rather than his word choice.

Coaches speaking immediately after emotionally charged losses sometimes make comments they later characterize as overstated, and Elko's explanation fits that familiar pattern of distancing from heat-of-the-moment language once more time has passed.

Elko has generally kept his public remarks about opponents and officiating measured, making the cesspool comment stand out partly because of that contrast with his usual tone.

Texas A&M has not announced any further response to the comment, and attention within the program is likely to shift back toward preparation for upcoming games as the season continues.