Mark Emmert’s ‘Kansas City Jayhawks’ Blunder Goes Viral After Men’s Title Game

The NCAA president’s gaffe got quite a rise out of social media.

Before Kansas cut down the nets after Monday night’s 72–69 victory over UNC in the men’s national championship game, NCAA president Mark Emmert congratulated the Jayhawks on a job well done during the trophy presentation. 

Unfortunately, he made a fairly significant mistake when wrapping up his speech. When announcing the new national champions, Emmert introduced the program as the “Kansas City Jayhawks.”

Emmert quickly corrected the gaffe, but received a rather confused reaction from the crowd in the Caesars Superdome. An even stronger reaction broke out on social media as college basketball fans and media members couldn’t believe that the NCAA president managed to botch the name of one of the sport’s most storied programs.

One shining moment for NCAA President Mark Emmert.

Congrats to the Kansas City Jayhawks. pic.twitter.com/MyBEx5K2VO

— Matt Schick (@ESPN_Schick) April 5, 2022

Mark Emmert just called them the Kansas City Jayhawks.

And I wasn’t sure his stock could fall any further.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 5, 2022

Between the Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Jayhawks, this really has been an incredible run for the city.

— Joshua Brisco (@jbbrisco) April 5, 2022

the UMKC Swole Kangaroo is going to beat the hell out of Mark Emmert for calling them the Kansas City Jayhawks pic.twitter.com/JAodZ66tEC

— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) April 5, 2022

Since 2014 KC has had 2 World Series, 2 Super Bowls and now the Kansas City Jayhawks bring us a basketball title! What a great sports town!

— Bob Fescoe (@bobfescoe) April 5, 2022

Congratulations to the Kansas City Jayhawks! https://t.co/8N7Ukc6UJX

— Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) April 5, 2022

What if the NCAA has been investigating the Kansas CITY Jayhawks this entire time? https://t.co/koO7hmoyK4

— Ken Carman (@KenCarman) April 5, 2022

The Kansas City Jayhawks! 😂😂😂

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) April 5, 2022

Does Mahomes play for the Kansas City Jayhawks too?

— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) April 5, 2022

Despite Emmert’s blunder, Kansas managed to steal the show in New Orleans, overcoming the largest deficit in national championship game history to win the program’s fourth title and second under coach Bill Self. Star guard Ochai Agbaji earned NCAA tournament MOP honors after scoring 12 points and grabbing down three rebounds in Monday’s win.