West Virginia gave returning men’s basketball players rings for reaching the Sweet 16 in last season’s NCAA Tournament.
The Mountaineers defeated 12th-seeded Murray State and 13th-seed Marshall during their triumphant journey to the Sweet 16. They were then throttled 90-78 by Villanova.
Here’s a look at their participation trophies:
at this!! The Mountaineers will be receiving their 2017-18 NCAA Sweet 16 rings today as they return to campus. pic.twitter.com/vDsGDFaUvW
— WVU Basketball (@WVUhoops) August 14, 2018
As one might imagine, the Internet has not been kind to WVU:
— Blake Nelson (@blakenelson32) August 14, 2018
Totally embarrassing
— Chandler Beavers (@Beavers_C) August 14, 2018
Rings are meant for Championships, not failing and only making the sweet 16. Since when do participation trophies exceed the 5th grade ?
— Chandler Beavers (@Beavers_C) August 14, 2018
Hey! Beating Murray State and Marshall as 12 and 13 seeds is a big deal!
— Nova Insider (@novainsider1985) August 14, 2018
— Rich Politefoot (@RichPolitefoot) August 14, 2018
I didn’t know you get rings for making it to the Sweet 16… #bballdream pic.twitter.com/iPBjqP7L9M
— Brandon Haughton (@bballdream55) August 14, 2018
