Football Coach Apologizes After Sideline ‘Milking’ Gesture Goes Viral

Oregon State head football coach Jonathan Smith has apologized for a “milking” gesture he made during a game against Utah last Friday night that subsequently went viral.

At the time, Smith was attempting to signal to his offense to “milk” the clock in the final moments of the game, which the Beavers won 21–7 against the Utah State Aggies. In footage that has now been widely shared online, Smith can be seen squeezing his chest, giving the illusion of having breasts. 

“I think he may have been saying, ‘okay, milk the clock, you gotta milk it,’ that’s what that is,” the announcer could be heard saying, announcing the play-by-play.

There’s a first time for everything pic.twitter.com/Psm6MUcx7i

— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) September 30, 2023

During a news conference on Monday evening, Smith apologized for the unfortunate snafu while discussing Utah’s punting abilities. Though, it’s unclear if the apology was his idea or if his hand was forced by the university.

“I did think their punter showed up and he was good, we knew that coming in, the guy was a good punter, really only gave us one chance on a return,” Smith explained. “And so, we don’t keep moving on the special teams in, I think we have a chance to continue to impact the game.”

“Not just looking at just our players on tape, looking at myself on tape, you know, in regards to how we signal plays at the end and communicate, uh, gotta things better there,” he added. “So with those I offended with that, I apologize. I won’t be using that signal again.”

Jonathan Smith apologizes for the milking ???

“I won’t be using that signal again.” pic.twitter.com/HWFYcsHbRP

— Trevor Denton (@trevordenton37) October 2, 2023

However, while the apology might have been necessary from a professional standpoint, many fans disagreed. “That signal was priceless, thank you Jonathan Smith,” one X user responded in the comments to the apology video, while another noted that it “begs the question” of whether you can milk a beaver. And with Halloween just a few weeks away, one fan imagined a pretty relevant costume.

Well these are going on clearance. Get’em while you can pic.twitter.com/V4dtETXNbc

— The Natural (@OrangeBeaverYNK) October 2, 2023

This coming Saturday, Oregon State will head to California to face off against the Golden Bears, where Smith will presumably keep his milking fingers at bay.