NC State Players Are (Rightfully) Pissed About CWS Situation

NC State players have every reason to be upset after their season was canceled when they were just one win away from playing for a championship.

And guess what? Upset, they are.

“Words can’t even describe this feeling,” right fielder Devonte Brown tweeted. “An opportunity of a lifetime, something you dream of as a little kid just snatched away in the blink of an eye.”

The Wolfpack were eliminated from the College World Series on Saturday because of COVID-19 protocols, giving Vanderbilt a pass to play for the title.

NC State had just 13 players of the 27 players in uniform during a 3-1 loss to Vandy on Friday. They were scheduled to meet again Saturday, with the winner claiming the Bracket 1 final. But the NCAA had other ideas.

“The NCAA and the committee regret that NC State’s student-athletes and coaching staff will not be able to continue in the championship in which they earned the right to participate. Because of privacy issues, we cannot provide further details.”

“This is a heartbreaking situation and I’m gutted for everyone involved and for all those that were captivated by the heart and fight of this team,” coach Elliott Avent said. "Our medical staff and our players have been incredible this season with all they’ve done to keep us safe and get us ready to play, day in and day out.

"I love this team and this past month, many people that got to watch them, fell in love with them as well. Although we’re all heartbroken, this team will never be forgotten and will live in the hearts of Wolfpack and baseball fans forever.”

Brown said Friday he couldn't figure out why the Wolfpack were allowed to use only 13 players in the first place.

“Quite frankly,” he told reporters, “I have no understanding of what happened today.”