Everyone in the college basketball world has made their opinion about the Darryn Peterson situation known at least once or twice. Even on Through the Phog, we have put out our own opinions on everything that has transpired, but there is one sports show that hasn't held back on what they think of Peterson's situation.
On ESPN's First Take, Steven A. Smith and his crew have certainly not minced words on what they think of Peterson and how all the drama has already affected his future in the NBA. On his Tuesday appearance on "Hawk Talk with Bill Self," the Kansas head coach called out the ESPN show for their treatment of Peterson.
"There’s a lot of stuff thrown at him," Self said. "Can you imagine being a freshman in college and having ESPN First Take talk about you and you never ever say a word about defending yourself, everyone talks about you, that’s hard."
Bill Self on ESPN First Take criticism of Darryn Peterson:
— Darryn Peterson Muse (@DPetersonMuse) February 27, 2026
“There’s a lot of stuff thrown at him. Can you imagine being a freshman in college and having ESPN talk about and you never ever say a word about defending yourself… that’s hard” pic.twitter.com/4cEvWnfxnX
Smith has talked about how the road Peterson has put himself on is one that won't end well for him in the NBA. When it comes to all the noise, Peterson came out after the Houston win and said he doesn't listen to it and tries his best to focus simply on basketball.
Self makes a great point in the fact that Peterson has to hear all of these things said about him everywhere, and he has to stay quiet about it. With fame and talent, though, it comes with the gig, and Peterson certainly has the talent to make himself a star in the NBA one day.
Peterson has a chance to shut all the haters up, though, with his play in the Big 12 Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. Helping lead the Jayhawks to a Big 12 title and potentially a National Championship win. Peterson will have to lay it all on the court if he wants to show up everyone talking about him.