A viral video ignites controversy as Dusty May steers his Michigan team through athlete celebrity's modern pitfalls before a massive clash.
In the high-stakes world of Big Ten basketball, a single viral moment can ignite a firestorm of controversy. For Michigan head coach Dusty May and his star forward Yaxel Lendeborg, that moment arrived just as the Wolverines prepared for a pivotal matchup against Purdue at Mackey Arena in February 2026. A video surfaced on social media featuring Lendeborg using profane language toward the Boilermakers, forcing May to step into a familiar role: the grounded, protective leader navigating the modern pitfalls of athlete celebrity.
The Content of the Video
The video, which spread rapidly across social platforms, captured a candid—and raw—side of Lendeborg. In the footage, the 6'9" forward is seen making disparaging remarks about the Purdue program, stating that Michigan was going to "spank" them and punctuated his prediction with several profanities, including "F— Purdue."
For a team like Michigan, which had climbed to the No. 2 spot in the rankings and was eyeing a No. 1 seed, the timing was less than ideal. The video provided instant "bulletin board material" for a Purdue squad led by Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn—players known for their competitive grit.
Dusty May’s Measured Response
When addressed by the media regarding the clip, Dusty May did not shy away from the situation, nor did he issue a standard, robotic apology. Instead, he provided crucial context that shifted the narrative from a current locker-room snub to a past "learning lesson."
According to May, the video was not recent. It was recorded roughly four months prior, shortly after Lendeborg had signed with Michigan in the spring of 2025. May explained that the forward was at an "over-21 establishment" after hours when he was asked a question about the No. 1 team in the country.
"He wishes he would not have [said those things]," May told reporters. "The most disappointing part for him is that he feels really bad about how he’s perceived by children and those who look up to him. He told me, 'Coach, I don't even use that language in conversation. I don't like the way it makes me look.'"
A Lesson in the "Pro Mindset"
May utilized the incident to highlight the reality of being a high-profile athlete in 2026. He noted that Lendeborg’s journey from a warehouse worker to a potential first-round NBA prospect has been a whirlwind, and part of that transition involves realizing that the camera is always on.
• Accountability: May confirmed he spoke "at length" with Lendeborg about the incident.
• Contextual Growth: He framed the outburst as the result of a young player caught up in the excitement of joining a new program and being challenged by fans in a public setting.
• The "Pro" Standard: May emphasized that to be a "pro," one must operate with the assumption that they are always being recorded.
Dismissing the Impact on Purdue
While fans and media speculated on how Purdue would react to being called out, May remained skeptical that the Boilermakers needed a viral video to find motivation. He praised the Purdue roster, calling players like Braden Smith and TKR "killers as is." By downplaying the "bulletin board" aspect, May effectively attempted to de-escalate the tension surrounding the upcoming game.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Dusty May’s response was a masterclass in modern coaching. By acknowledging the mistake, providing a timeline that distanced the comments from the current team culture, and highlighting Lendeborg’s genuine remorse, May protected his player while maintaining the program's professional image.
As Michigan continues its historic season, this incident serves as a reminder of the thin line between competitive fire and public relations pitfalls. For Lendeborg, the best way to move past the video is likely found on the court: replacing the words of the past with a dominant performance in the present.