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Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz found one of the strangest ways to compliment a player.
During Tuesday’s SEC Media Days, Drinkwitz discussed the positive traits of offensive lineman Cayden Green. He picked an unfortunate acronym when praising the Oklahoma transfer.
“Excited about what Cayden brings to our program. He’s very consistent in his approach every single day,” Drinkwitz said. “Obviously he has the STIs — size, toughness, and instincts — to be an elite player.”
One would think Drinwitz knows that STI has another meaning: sexually transmitted infections. At the very least, it’s an odd way to talk about a 19-year-old football player.
Fans reacted to his unusual proclamation on social media.
“There’s no way he said this,” Laci Michele wrote. “No POSSIBLE way.”
“OK so Missouri is focusing on spreading STIs throughout the team this season, got it,” Brian Floyd joked.
“Those traits are contagious,” Adam Drovetta quipped.
Drinkwitz didn’t break stride or laugh when citing that acronym. He continued discussing Green, who’s worked with offensive line coach Brandon Jones to determine whether he’ll play tackle or guard for the Tigers this season.
“He’s provided a lot of position flexibility,” Drinkwitz said. “I’ve been very impressed with the humbleness of his approach … Ultimately, he just wants to win.”
Green joined Oklahoma last year as a four-star recruit out of Missouri’s Lee’s Summit North. The 6-foot-5, 316-pounder played in 11 games as a freshman, starting at left guard in the Sooners’ final four games of the regular season.
He’ll look to lend his size, toughness, and instincts to a Missouri offense that scored 32.5 points per game during an 11-win season.
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