Worse Than Expected: Steve Sarkisian Gives Controversial Name to His Newborn Son, Causing Tension Across Longhorn Nation and Beyond…
By Austin R. Meyer | Texas Tribune Sports | April 9, 2025
Austin, TX – What began as a moment of celebration and pride for Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian quickly escalated into an unexpected firestorm of controversy that has sent shockwaves across the Longhorns fanbase and stirred emotions from boosters to student-athletes alike.
The issue? The name he gave his newborn son: “Crimson Hook’em Sarkisian.”
Yes, you read that right.
An Unforgettable Birth – and an Even More Unforgettable Name
The announcement came during a press conference on the Forty Acres intended to update spring training progress. But Sarkisian, clearly beaming with joy and pride, diverted briefly to share personal news.
> “Before we get into the scrimmage results,” Sarkisian began, “I want to announce that my wife, Loreal, and I have welcomed a healthy baby boy. We’ve named him Crimson Hook’em Sarkisian.”
The room fell silent. Laughter stirred, then died. Reporters blinked in confusion. Crimson? Hook’em?
The reactions poured in within seconds online, with “CrimsonHookem” trending nationwide on X (formerly Twitter) and Longhorn forums melting down.
Fans Outraged by the “Crimson” Controversy
The name’s first half – “Crimson” – stung like salt in an open wound for Texas fans. The color crimson, of course, is closely associated with bitter rivals Alabama, where Sarkisian previously served as offensive coordinator under Nick Saban. For diehard Longhorns, it was a betrayal, or worse — a symbolic act of treason.
> “You’re gonna name a Texas baby after Alabama’s colors? After everything we’ve built here?!” posted one booster on Horns247. “I’ve never felt so disrespected in burnt orange in my life.”
> “This feels like naming your kid Voldemort in a Harry Potter family,” said another on Reddit.
Longhorns athletic director Chris Del Conte reportedly received “hundreds” of emails from donors threatening to withdraw support if Sarkisian didn’t clarify or change the name. One season ticket holder mailed back his family’s five tickets torn into confetti.
Players and Alumni Caught Off Guard
Even members of the Longhorns football team were unsure how to respond. Star quarterback Mason Hill told ESPN, “Coach has always been a little… creative. But we’re just trying to focus on the game.”
Meanwhile, former Longhorn legends such as Colt McCoy and Vince Young took to social media to express confusion and discomfort.
> “What happened to ‘Tex’ or ‘Bevo’?” McCoy posted on Instagram. “Crimson is a no-go, man.”
Sarkisian Stands His Ground
Despite the outcry, Sarkisian defended the name, saying it reflects “a fusion of legacy and evolution.”
> “Look, we live in a new era. My time at Alabama shaped me, but Texas is my home now. ‘Crimson Hook’em’ is a symbol of what it takes to be great — combining elite tradition with the future of football,” he said.
His wife, Loreal, also responded to the backlash in a now-viral TikTok video.
> “People name their kids Apple, North, and X Æ A-12, and you’re mad about Crimson Hook’em? Please.”
University Response and PR Damage Control
Within 48 hours, the University of Texas issued a public relations statement distancing itself from the name:
> “The personal family choices of Coach Sarkisian are his own. The University of Texas remains deeply committed to upholding its traditions, values, and commitment to the burnt orange.”
An emergency meeting was reportedly held between UT leadership and Sarkisian behind closed doors. While insiders say no disciplinary action is being taken, the tension is palpable.
Satirical Storm and National Reactions
The moment sparked a wave of memes and satire. “Saturday Night Live” aired a skit featuring a fake Sarkisian explaining baby names like “Maroon Baylor” and “Oklahoma Jr.”
Other coaches joined the chaos.
> “If he ever names a kid ‘Sooner,’ I’m calling for an intervention,” joked Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy.
Sports pundit Stephen A. Smith said on First Take, “This is a distraction Texas does not need. You don’t mess with tradition like that. Crimson? At Texas? That’s like inviting Nick Saban to Bevo’s birthday party.”
A Lesson in Brand, Legacy, and Sensitivity
The strange saga has sparked broader conversations about the importance of brand identity, tradition, and fan loyalty in college athletics. Experts say the fallout reveals just how passionate—and protective—college football cultures can be.
Branding analyst Dr. Carla Winslow of the University of Florida weighed in: “In this age of media hyper-awareness, even a baby name can become a battleground for identity and allegiance.”
Where Things Stand Now
As of now, Sarkisian and Loreal remain firm in their decision. Baby Crimson Hook’em is reportedly healthy and blissfully unaware of the chaos surrounding his birth name.
Texas fans remain divided. Some call for forgiveness and understanding, while others have already dubbed the 2025 season the “Year of the Curse of Crimson.”
Final Thoughts
In a sport where passion, pride, and symbolism reign supreme, Steve Sarkisian’s decision has become more than just a baby announcement. It’s a litmus test for what happens when personal expression collides with public tradition.
Whether Crimson Hook’em Sarkisian will one day suit up in burnt orange remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: his name will be remembered — for better or worse — for generations across Longhorn Nation.
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Stay tuned to the Texas Tribune Sports Desk for all updates on this and more news from the world of college football.
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