Two months after the college football season concluded, updates on recruitment and injuries typically dominate the news cycle for coaches. However, for Trojans Coach Lincoln Riley, the focus may diverge due to his star player Caleb Williams gearing up for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Nevertheless, Riley found himself at the center of headlines and social media chatter, not due to football-related matters, but rather an unusual incident during Joe Biden’s State of the Union address.
During the address, President Biden intended to address the tragic incident involving Laken Riley. However, he inadvertently mispronounced the name, sounding as if he was referring to the USC football head coach.
“Lincoln Riley, an innocent woman who was killed by an illegal. That’s right, how many thousands of people are being killed by illegals? My heart goes out to you having lost children myself. I understand,” the President declared.
RELATED: Charles Barkley Explains Why Biden is Losing the Black Vote
The slip-up sparked a flurry of reactions online, with many criticizing Biden’s error during such a significant speech.
“‘Lincoln’ Riley? It’s just appalling,” one commenter wrote.
Another social media user posted, “HER NAME IS LAKEN RILEY NOT LINCOLN RILEY.”
Some expressed disbelief at the President’s statement, with one remarking, “He said Lincoln Riley???? Smh.”
Others chose to lighten the mood with humor, joking, “Lincoln Riley looking up why he’s trending.”
While the mention of Riley’s name was a simple mistake, it nonetheless garnered widespread attention across the nation, despite the football offseason. Nonetheless, Riley has been adept at making necessary adjustments for the Trojans, despite their absence from the College Football Playoff last season.
As USC football heads into spring camp, numerous questions loom, including the role of Jonah Monheim for the upcoming season and the status of Jayden Maiava as QB2, among others. However, some answers are already becoming clear. With Caleb Williams departing, the Trojans rallied behind Miller Moss for a victory in the Holiday Bowl. Additionally, Zion Branch is solidifying his role as a starter, while Braylan Shelby is emerging as a standout in the USC football defense.
