In a viral moment at Big Ten media day, new UCLA football head coach DeShaun Foster stumbled over his words, leading to a rather awkward opening statement. This unfortunate incident comes as UCLA transitions to the Big Ten conference after the dissolution of the Pac-12, marking a new era for the program.

During his statement, Foster initially highlighted UCLA's achievements while discussing the university's move to the Big Ten. However, the former NFL running back appeared unsure of where to proceed, causing a pause and an uncomfortable moment. "I'm sure you guys don't know too much about UCLA, our football program, but we're in LA," Foster said before another pause. He then nervously laughed to fill the silence and finally managed to voice his excitement, albeit briefly.

College football fans wasted no time criticizing Foster's speech, with one user remarking, "Omg they're going 2-10." Another compared Foster's demeanor to someone who had seen a ghost in the audience.

Despite the less-than-ideal start, Foster acknowledged the social media response in a later interview, stating that he expected to see some jokes on Twitter. He emphasized his preference for answering reporters' questions rather than speaking for the allotted 15 minutes each coach had during the media day. "I'm just not a rah, rah guy," Foster explained. He pointed out that his path to coaching differed from many others in the profession, highlighting his successful football career at both the college and professional levels before transitioning to coaching.

Foster's deep knowledge of UCLA's program is indisputable, as he still holds multiple records, including rushing yards for a freshman. He was also named an All-American after an impressive senior year during which he rushed for 1,109 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. His professional career led him to the Carolina Panthers, where he was chosen in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft.

Now, as a coach, Foster hopes that his team's performances on the field will surpass the memory of his awkward media day appearance. The Bruins' first game of the season is scheduled for August 31st when they travel to face Hawaii.

While Foster's stumble garnered attention, it remains to be seen how his coaching prowess will impact UCLA's future in the Big Ten. Fans and critics alike are eagerly awaiting the upcoming season to see if the team can live up to their potential under Foster's guidance.

Source: Fox News Flash