Whether Pat Downey should be believed when he says there aren’t a lot of people he doesn’t like is up for debate, but what isn’t is that he doesn’t like Penn State wrestling legend Carter Starocci.
When Downey lost to Starocci at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Wrestling Trials in Happy Valley, he said he would have dominated the match “if I had been fresh.”
More than a year later, when allegations of misconduct were made against Starocci, Downey took to social media, writing lengthy posts to Twitter and Instagram.
Former National Champ Blasts Carter Starocci Amid Accusations
Although the two aren’t facing off at Real American Freestyle 2 Saturday night in Happy Valley, Friday’s media day gave the two an opportunity to talk about each other.
WHAT DOWNEY SAID THIS TIME
“He’s one of the guys I don’t like,” Downey said. “There’s not many people I don’t like. But he’s just one of them guys. I have a little sisters, and I don’t like people that do stuff to underage women. I don’t know if that’s a fact or not.”
For context, sexual assault of underaged women were among the allegations levied against Starocci.
“I don’t like safe sport violators,” Downey said “And I don’t like these guys that are virtue signaling and judge me because I so happen to sin a little differently. So I’m not really a fan of him, but I’m excited to watch Nick Jackson put it on him.”
Nick Jackson is Starocci’s opponent.
Before being asked directly about Starocci, Downey referred to Penn State as “Penetration State.”
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.“I don’t give a damn how Penetration State feels,” Downey said.
In fairness, Downey went onto compliment Penn State’s program, reiterating the comments made at the 2024 Olympic Trials, which he referred to as “The Penn State trials.”
STAROCCI’S RESPONSE
Both Downey and Starocci confirmed that neither one of them will be talking to each other this weekend.
Downey openly wondered if RAF was keeping them apart on purpose.
But it’s clear that each one wants the other to lose.
“I’ll see him get his butt whopped,” Starocci told NSN exclusively after the press conference.
Starocci had no comment on any of the allegations or anything that’s been written about him.
“That’s something Pat’s gonna say,” Starocci said. “That’s a Pat Downey answer. I think more so a reflection of who he is and what he’s done and where he’s going. So that’s a question for him.”
As if Starocci needed any added incentive to root against Downey, Downey’s opponent, Jake Varner, is Nittany Lion Wrestling Club’s head coach.
