Jordan Lucas, Cal State Northridge’s redshirt junior outside hitter, says one off-key broadcast comment is not about to change how he plays or how he celebrates. After a UC Irvine broadcaster remarked on air that he was “amazed Jordan Lucas hasn’t been popped by somebody” for his on-court reactions, the clip shot around social media and drew quick criticism as well as action from the school. Lucas admits the remark rattled him when friends and family sent it his way, but says the swagger is here to stay.
On-Air Remark That Lit the Fuse
The line landed during UC Irvine’s April 9 broadcast, when veteran analyst Charlie Brande took aim at Lucas’s celebrations and said, “I’m amazed Jordan Lucas hasn’t been popped by somebody.” As reported by Outsports, the exchange quickly circulated online, drawing strong reactions from fans and fellow players who saw the comment as way out of bounds for a college sports telecast.
Fallout in the Booth and a Written Apology
UC Irvine responded by removing Brande from its broadcast rotation, saying his words did not meet the program’s standards, according to Athletic Business. Brande later issued a written apology that included the line, “Most importantly, I apologize to Jordan,” and he acknowledged that violence should never be tolerated, The Spun reported.
Lucas: Shaken, Then Steady
Lucas said this week that the whole episode hit hard once his inner circle began forwarding him the clip. He described feeling “distraught” at first, but made it clear he has no plans to dial back his energy on the court. Speaking with NBC Los Angeles, he stressed that the Matadors are a top 20 program and that his style of play and post-point celebrations deserve the same respect that any high-level college athlete gets.
Conference Backs Lucas as Support Grows
The Big West Conference publicly condemned the on-air remarks and stated that it stands with Lucas. Volleyball and LGBTQ-focused outlets amplified that message, rallying to his defense and pushing the story well beyond the usual conference footprint. Outsports chronicled the league’s statement and the surge of online support that elevated Lucas’s profile.
Eyes Back on the Court for Lucas and CSUN
Inside the Northridge locker room, coaches and teammates say that expressive celebrations are part of the modern volleyball landscape and certainly not a reason for threats or any hint of real-world violence. With Brande off the broadcast schedule and the Big West’s stance on record, Lucas says his focus is squarely on Cal State Northridge’s remaining matches and on keeping both his game and his signature celebrations intact, according to NBC Los Angeles.
