West Virginia University’s football coach is cracking down on TikTok dances. Rich Rodriguez told his players they can’t post dance videos on the app anymore. He says it’s all about keeping the team focused on winning, not fame.
The coach wants his players to act like tough athletes, not social media stars. “Dancing in tights isn’t the image we want,” Rodriguez said. He thinks too many young people care about likes and views instead of hard work. This rule is his way of pushing back against that trend.
Some folks say the coach is overstepping. They argue players should be free to build their own brands online. But Rodriguez isn’t backing down. “I make the rules here,” he said. “If they want to dance later, fine. Right now, we’re here to win games.”
This isn’t just about football. It’s about teaching responsibility. The coach is reminding players that teamwork comes first. In today’s world, where everyone wants to be an influencer, Rodriguez is putting old-school values front and center.
Other college athletes have used TikTok to grow their fame and make money. But West Virginia’s coach thinks that’s a distraction. He’d rather see his players lifting weights than practicing dance moves. Critics call it controlling, but supporters say it’s about discipline.
There’s a bigger debate here about who controls athletes. Some lawyers say rules like this prove players are treated like employees. If colleges keep restricting players’ social media, it could hurt their chances to earn money from their own names.
Rodriguez doesn’t care about the backlash. He’s focused on turning West Virginia into winners. “Twenty years from now, they can sit in their basements watching TikTok all day,” he said. “For now, we’re here to play football.”
This move has split fans. Some praise the coach for standing up against silly trends. Others think he’s stuck in the past. Either way, it’s clear Rodriguez believes hard work beats viral dances every time.
