Turner on short-lived row with Connecticut governor: 'I accepted his apology'

While many fans of the University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies men’s basketball team who traveled to Houston to watch the program capture its fifth overall national championship left with positive memories and takeaways, at least one initially didn’t have anything nice to say.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont told a sports radio program based in his state that the central business district (CBD) of Texas’ largest city was “butt ugly,” causing a verbal row between him and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.

"After winning the semifinal, you walk around Downtown Houston, which is butt ugly, not much there,” Lamont, a Democrat, said, according to Houston CBS affiliate KHOU. 

Downtown Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) and Discovery Green hosted the Final Four Fan Fest and the March Madness Music Festival, respectively, with the Final Four at NRG Stadium. 

Houston holds huge significance in UConn lore since it was the site of the Huskies’ latest March Madness triumph and its third crown that was won in 2011.

This year marked the third time the Huskies, who finished their championship run with a 31-8 overall record, ended up the last one standing in the Big Dance when the Final Four was held in Texas.

UConn defeated the San Diego State University (SDSU) Aztecs 76-59 to conclude what was arguably the most unpredictable National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I men's basketball tournament in the event’s 84-year history, Houston Daily reported. 

Though a party mate of Lamont’s, Turner didn’t take too kindly to the governor’s comments, standing up for the city he has led since 2016. 

“For his team to win is admirable, but his comment is indicative of a loser,” the mayor said in a tweet.

Lamont would then see the error in his words and offered an apology, per Turner, Houston FOX affiliate KRIV reported.

The station reported that the two leaders talked and let bygones be bygones.

"I accepted his apology and again congratulated his @UConnMBB team on their victory," Turner said in a tweet.