After UConn clenched the championship on Monday, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said in an interview on Wednesday, “You walk around downtown Houston, which is butt ugly, not much there.” He doubled down later in the day saying in a second interview, “You’re walking around downtown Houston, it’s kind of godforsaken, not very pretty."
Perhaps Lamont, whose state has never hosted the Final Four, is just jealous? After all, the economy of the city of Houston is nearly double that of the state of Connecticut. But, truly, how does one even compare a city known for space exploration, oil tycoons, the world’s largest medical center and urban cowboys with a state that’s known for … being hard to spell?
Not to mention our world championship Astros. If only the state of Connecticut had a MLB or NFL team — maybe they could at least compete there.
Not surprisingly, Twitter is alight with responses to the Nutmeg State’s governor. (Yeah, that really is their nickname.)
Dade Phelan, speaker of the Texas House, had one suggestion. (For comparison, 2.5 million people attended the rodeo this year while Connecticut’s population is just 3.6 mil.)
Sportswriter Michael Schwab contemplated a motto change for the state.
And, @VailColin noted that size does matter in Texas.
And, lots of people sharing this Family Guy clip.
A couple more of our favorite responses…
Also on Wednesday, Lamont said the championship title “is enormous for UConn, and it's enormous for the state of Connecticut. For one brief and shining moment everyone was talking about the state of Connecticut." We’re glad they had their moment in the sun, but we think people will be talking about Houston for years to come, as the city, which has hosted the Super Bowl three times, is hosting the NCAA college football championship in January of next year. And, will host the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
Jeff Gremillion
Chris Becker
Cafe Honey Caramel cocktail
Enchilada Dores