Dick Vitale on Geno Auriemma’s Comments: ‘Cheap Shot’ [AUDIO]

Dick Vitale takes exception to Geno Auriemma calling the men's college basketball game a "joke".

"For him to say that our game is a joke is sad," said Vitale on Thursday, with Armen and Levack on 104.5 The Team. "He’s a Hall of Famer, I respect him, I admire him, what he’s done has been unreal but I think it’s a cheap shot, I really do. It’s not called for.

On a conference call earlier this week, Auriemma was asked his opinion of the men's college basketball game. While some of his points of the offensive game declining have been acknowledged and respected by many, his choice of words rubbed many the wrong way, including Vitale.

"I love Geno," said Dickie V. "I love a lot about Geno. He’s a big time winner and has done a pneonemal job with Conecticut. I obviously don’t agree with him.

"I don’t think it’s a joke at all. Was the Kentucky game against Notre Dame a joke? Come on! I don’t understand Geno’s screaming and yelling about that.

"I think what’s a joke and tough to watch, and it’s not his fault, but it’s tough to watch Connecticut play because every game they’re up 30-40 except for the last game. They’re 40-point blowouts one after another. Is that fun to watch? I don’t think so."

Auriemma's one-loss program plays No.1-seeded Maryland in the Final Four on Sunday night.

Dick Vitale joins Armen and Levack every Monday and Thursday throughout the NCAA Tournament, thanks to McLane Food Service.