Sports

Auburn Football Recruit Actually Cites Chick-fil-A in Announcing Decision

Cassanova McKinzy, Auburn Football Recruit, Defends Citing Chick Fil A in DecisionCassanova McKinzy is trying to backpedal on his comments that he chose to play college football at Auburn because of its on-campus Chick-Fil-A. Trying is the key word.

See, on Wednesday, the 6′2″ 225 pound outside linebacker from Birmingham decided to pick Auburn over Clemson. And when asked why, he gave a curious answer.

“(It was) kind of the environment and plus they had no Chick-fil-A on campus,” McKinzy said. “You had to go probably like 15 minutes off campus to go to a real restaurant. Their cafe was kind of small.”

You can watch it below at about the 1:30 mark:

McKinzy was panned for his comment, especially considering, as HuffPo notes, that there is a Chick-Fil-A on the Clemson campus:

Regardless of whether or not the relative location of a Chick-Fil-A should ever factor into one’s decision about where to attend college, it would at least seem wise to extensively research whatever criteria being used. Oddly, it seems that McKinzy did not do his fast food homework since there actually is a Chick-Fil-A location on the Clemson campus, according to the restaurant’s website.

But now McKinzy is trying salvage his reputation by explaining it wasn’t really the the food that brought him to Auburn.

“That‘s not the reason I chose Auburn or why I didn’t choose Clemson,” McKinzy said Thursday. “I actually wanted to give Clemson a shot, but it (his decision) didn’t have anything to do with Chick-fil-A.”

“I was just being funny,” he added. “I gave all the reasons why I chose Auburn.”

Comments (74)

  • broken1
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 11:43am

    I’ll give this kid the benefit of the doubt. I remember being 17 and saying all kinds of dumb statements. Leave him alone and we will see what kind of man he will be on and off the field. Now where did I put those waffle fries……

    Report Post »  
    • ozchambers
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 11:57am

      My first job was at a Chic-fil-A. They are a fine company with great products and service and run by the right kinds of folks. While working there, they used to have regular fries, and then one day we got an order of waffle fries and we were asked to fry them up and all of the employees voted on which we preferred and that’s how they decided to move to waffle fries. That was back in the early to mid 80′s.

      Report Post » ozchambers  
    • TAXLORDCOMETH
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 1:52pm

      Judging from last year’s season, Auburn players need to be eating more red meat.

      Report Post »  
    • 3monkeysmomma
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 2:54pm

      I would totally factor the proximity of a Chik-fil-a into all my important life decisions.
      …..no, seriously! I love Chik-fil-a. I ate there yesterday.

      Report Post » 3monkeysmomma  
    • Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 11:41pm

      I took it as a joke when I originally read this article somewhere else and that article provided a lot more context for the comment, including his real reasons for picking Auburn.

      But this is the Blaze so it’s a black guy chooses college based on chicken version of the story.

      Report Post » Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American  
    • jcannon98188
      Posted on February 5, 2012 at 3:43am

      I LOVE Chick-Fil-a! Too bad the closest one is a few hours away from where I live (If the CEO or anyone is reading this, Olympia,Washington could use some Chicken LOVE!!!!) I especially love that they keep the sabbath day holy, and do not operate on Sunday. Everyone said they were crazy, and that it would fail as a business. Still waiting for it to fail ;)

      Report Post »  
  • gr8t2bfree
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 11:32am

    Another brain dead athelete………

    Report Post » gr8t2bfree  
  • georgeisn6
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 11:31am

    Sports fans of all stripes are just as stupid as this mental giant.

    Report Post »  
  • LukeAppling
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 11:30am

    Chick-Filet is a wonderful restaurant and this young man will do very well with his life as an auburn alum with a degree.God bless him.

    Report Post »  
  • i_believe
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 11:00am

    I don’t know him that well but what I got out of the interview was a lot of “Yes Sir” and No Mam” … in other words he appears to be polite regards of where he likes to eat.

    And I happen to like Chick-Fil-A

    Report Post »  
  • JAMACAMECRAZYMAN
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 10:46am

    Mental giant……………..

    Report Post »  
    • What_Did_I_Miss
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 11:02am

      It may have even been a sarcastic answer to a question that he is tired of answering for
      the 500th time.

      Report Post »  
    • bhohater
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 4:14pm

      Plan ahead I say. A man who thinks like that will go far in life, but for now a little lickin-chicken, watermelon, and a white girlfriend will suffice.

      Report Post » bhohater  
    • 3monkeysmomma
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 4:32pm

      I’m sorry…remind us what discipline you received your Ph.D. in…?

      He‘s a kid for God’s sake, lay off!

      Report Post » 3monkeysmomma  
    • Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 11:45pm

      BHOHater is just reinforcing outsider’s general opinion of the kind of people who post here.

      He’s probably one of those guys who is scared of every black guy he sees.

      Report Post » Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American  
  • Jason W
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 10:45am

    As a Clemson Grad I can say we had a Chick-Fil-A on campus when I left in 2000. There is a nice one in town but he is right that its about 2 miles away.

    Report Post »  
  • Harvickfan29
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 10:17am

    This is why Alabama is the better team. We play for our tradition of winning Championships not food. Roll Tide!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post » Harvickfan29  
  • jnobfan
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 10:00am

    There are kids with a 3.4 grade average and a 1350 SAT that spend their weekends doing charity work that get denied admission to UF or Auburn all of the time. This guy with his 2.5 and 900 SAT gets to turn down schools because they do not have a fast food fried chicken place on campus.
    I love college football. Not kidding

    Report Post »  
    • Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 11:52pm

      If you bothered to read this article anywhere but here you would find quotes from him discussing his dissatisfaction with the Clemson athletic facilities and the distances between dorms, classes, and the facilities. But hey, he’s black and this is the blaze so. …

      Report Post » Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American  
  • robinakilt
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 9:58am

    Wait my question is… Is Auburn or Clemson a NON-PROFIT college? If they are can someone explain to me how these schools can make a profit off of the land I am sure they are leasing to Chik-fil-a and any other college that may be leasing land to any other for profit business? I am sick and tired of colleges and universities being able to claim non-profit status while they rape students on tuition and do not have to show a single student if they can even find a job with that degree. These college campuses have become immaculate and the professors at most make a killing in pay to teach our kids un-American ideas. The colleges should not be allowed to claim non-profit status. I am not sure if either of these colleges are or are not non-profit but the article made me think about that topic.

    Report Post » robinakilt  
  • nobull14
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 9:47am

    Check for brain cells ? pick your collage for a chicken burger?

    Report Post »  
    • Aunt Nee Nee
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 12:06pm

      I think you meant “college”. Please proofread before you post – and look up the definition of “collage.” Check for brain cells and for spelling errors. Thanks!

      Report Post »  
  • LawofHospitality
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 9:18am

    Was it a goofy statement? Yes. Does it warrant intelligent people to make impassioned comments and judgments about a 17-ish yr olds character? Not really. Save the passion for things that really matter, and don’t sweat the small stuff.

    Report Post »  
  • Tankertony
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 9:04am

    McKinzy? well we know those Irish folk love their chicken……

    Report Post » Tankertony  
  • Hickory
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 9:03am

    Son, can you pass a football? Duh, I passes everthang I eats coach.

    Report Post » Hickory  
  • GatorSkin
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:58am

    He already showed just how smart he is by picking between Aubuuuuurn and Clipson. What no good programs want you???? Go eat a friggin chick-fil-a!!!!!!!!

    Report Post » GatorSkin  
  • AMERICA4EVER
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:53am

    Yup, another really smart guy.

    Report Post »  
  • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:50am

    Whether anyone else thinks his reasons are stupid doesn’t matter. It’s HIS life and HIS decision to make. We ALL make choices and have to live with them, no matter how dumb they may seem at the time.

    Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 9:04am

      I agree with you there. He is after all still a high school kid. But, as an Alabama fan there will be a lot of poking fun when he does start to play for Auburn.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • AU Patriot
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 9:19am

      RJJINGGASDEN – It could be also b/c Chizik gave 4 year schlorships to his players versus the standard one year. #WDE :-)

      Eat More Chicken

      Report Post »  
    • Link8on
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 2:47pm

      Decades ago, I recall a game where the greeks from my school tossed many peaches on the field in the last minute of the last game of the year against a visiting team who got the Peach bowl bid.

      Now, will the Bama Tide fans be loading up on Chikfil-A nuggets to toss during the Auburn game to haze this recruit?

      Report Post » Link8on  
    • Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 11:56pm

      AU PARROT

      Cheez-it HAD to give bonus scholarships if he had a prayer of getting any good players to that wreck of a program what with Saban taking the cream of the crop. Thanks for T.J. Yeldon. Roll Tide!

      Report Post » Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American  
  • Locked
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:35am

    Chick-Fil-A isn’t bad; when I was in college we had one in the student union too. Wasn’t good either, but it was cheap, available, and better tasting than burgers.

    Hey, seems like a good enough reason for college. As a football recruit he’s likely not going for the academics!

    Report Post »  
  • StopWhiningAlready
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:33am

    As an Atlanta resident, like anyone else who lives in the Southeastern US, Chick-Fil-A is a pretty big deal (as far as fast food joints go). The Cathy family do a tremendous amount for the community and, despite giving up hundreds of millions in profits in exchange for remaining closed on Sundays to honor their Catholic faith, run a very profitable and clean business. Insinuations of unsavory behavior ( Gonzo) is just stupid. Plus, he’s a kid being placed under a media microscope. Attempts at humor to lighten the load, however lame, shouldn‘t be analyzed to the Nth degree in order to make it appear as something it’s not. Sorry, Blaze. FAIL.

    Report Post » StopWhiningAlready  
    • War_Eagle
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 9:10am

      Not sure where you got the idea that Cathy is Catholic. He’s a Christian who attends a Baptist church in Jonesboro. His family is Baptist. His son in law is the former VP of the SBC’s International Missions Board.

      Report Post »  
  • tajloc
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:26am

    I gotta send this on to my SEC lovin’ buddy. Ha Ha Rmember Rom 8:28

    Report Post »  
  • NewLife56
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:25am

    I LOVE Chick-Fil-A, this kid is smart :-)

    Report Post » NewLife56  
  • martinez012577
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:16am

    Lets remember this guy is still in highschool. I doubt he gets alot of tv speaking time. Plus, Chick-Fil-A is really good.

    Ron Paul 2012 and SEC football!!!!!!

    Report Post » martinez012577  
    • denispaul
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:29am

      I hope your joking.

      Report Post »  
    • martinez012577
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 9:39am

      Why would I be joking. I mean he is what 17 maybe 18. I remember being that age and all I thought about was sports, food, and girls. It makes since. What are you disheartened by the fact he didnt say he wanted to go to Auburn for their education? Come on.

      Report Post » martinez012577  
    • RRFlyer
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 9:42am

      come on, DENISPAUL. It’s not like he is choosing between spending his life in Russia or China. It’s a school in the USA. he can do what he wants include change his mind at any time. What’s the big deal?

      Report Post »  
    • 3monkeysmomma
      Posted on February 3, 2012 at 4:35pm

      Ron Paul and Chik-fil-A!

      You and I would really get along…..

      Report Post » 3monkeysmomma  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:16am

    .
    There are so many “A Boy and his Chicken” Jokes………….

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • Link8on
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:15am

    Guessing this was not one who liked KFC (Kentucky) , Popeyes, or Boston Market (BC).

    Report Post » Link8on  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:03am

    Chick-Fil-A and Auburn pays really well. Ask Cam Newton.

    Report Post » Gonzo  

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In