The rivalry between West Virginia University and the University of Pittsburgh, known as “The Backyard Brawl,” has ignited once again, even four months ahead of the next matchup scheduled for September 13. The spark this time comes from Beanie Bishop, a former Mountaineers cornerback who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bishop recently made headlines after he entered the Pitt locker room at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex and wiped his cleats on the Pitt logo, an act he promptly shared on Instagram.
This controversial move has drawn significant backlash, particularly on social media, where fans and commentators have criticized Bishop’s actions as disrespectful. Reactions on platforms like X vary, with some fans calling for strong repercussions and others questioning the overall discipline among the Steelers regarding Bishop’s conduct.
Fans chimed in with various opinions, highlighting the heated nature of the rivalry. One fan remarked on the potential chaos had the roles been reversed, suggesting that if a player like Kenny Pickett had done something similar to a WVU or Penn State logo, a far greater uproar would ensue. Others pointed out Bishop’s short tenure at West Virginia and his current standing as a player, saying that he should focus more on improving his performance on the field rather than stirring up controversy.
Additionally, Pittsburgh head coach Pat Narduzzi referenced the importance of respect and character in the sport, posting a quote that emphasizes these values. Bishop’s actions sparked discussions about locker room culture and the impression it leaves both within and outside the team.
While the upcoming game is still months away, the buildup surrounding Bishop’s incident suggests that the rivalry’s intensity might be heightened, providing added drama to the context of their next encounter on the field. The anticipation for the game continues to grow, along with the hopes that this rivalry will bring out the best in both teams when they meet.
The situation serves as a reminder of how sports rivalries can ignite emotions and controversies, keeping fans engaged and excited for the upcoming season.