Greg Van Zant broke his silence with a splendid little retort to WVU quarterback Patrick White. As told to The Dominion Post (Sorry, no link. You know how it is):

“I have never talked to Pat before. I have never met him before, and it would not be intelligent for me to make comments on Pat because I have never met him.” 

Allow me to translate: Touche!

– Statement from Director of Athletics Ed Pastilong, again by way of the sports information department:

“I have spoke to Pat regarding his comments earlier this week. We had a good discussion of the issues surrounding college baseball and our baseball program. I continue to have great admiration for him as a quality young man.

“Greg Van Zant has dedicated 13 years to WVU as head baseball coach. He has accomplished a great deal for the program during that time and continues to have my support as an outstanding leader.”

Van Zant, for the record, has won 413 games in 14 seasons. He’s coached six 30-win teams and one NCAA Tournament team. 

– Rich Rodriguez, of all people, had Van Zant’s back when he was asked for his thoughts.

“Pat’s a great young kid, and Coach Van Zant is a great coach, but Pat is really quiet and reserved and usually doesn’t say a lot,” Rodriguez said. ” In my opinion, Greg Van Zant is a good guy and a good coach. I don’t know what would drive Pat to say that. When I was there, he never stirred up anything, but he’s entitled to think what he wants to.”

– A blog for The Sporting News, which so proudly boasted Pat as one of its contributors this season, broke down the quarterback’s apology.