Anyone who is a true West Virginia Mountaineer fan knows and respects Doug Cross. Cross, aka Dougity Dog, has created the best and most viewed WVU content on the internet. His outstanding senior highlight video of Tavon Austin has nearly 20 million views and is the most widely-viewed football highlight video in YouTube history.
➡️ 18 MILLION VIEWS!
➡️ THE MOST WATCHED FOOTBALL HIGHLIGHT VIDEO IN YOUTUBE HISTORY!ONLY 1⃣ TAVON AUSTIN'S SENIOR HIGHLIGHT VIDEO:https://t.co/DaD3gJLgYr
— Doug Cross (@DougityDog) January 7, 2019
Although Cross has not created West Virginia content in a while, he recently released a highlight video for West Virginia wide receiver Sam James and also created the 2021 hype video for The Voice of Motown.
Must See for All Mountaineers! The Ultimate #WVU Hype Video by Dougity Dog! @DougityDog https://t.co/jHTlAs9NXZ
— The Voice of Morgantown (@voicemorgantown) June 11, 2020
However, last night, Cross was informed on Twitter by Matt Wells, senior associate athletic director for external affairs at West Virginia University, that he was given a DMCA Takedown Notice. A DMCA notice refers to a notice sent because a copyright owner believes someone has posted an infringement and they want it removed without the hassle of filing an infringement lawsuit.
Cross took to Twitter to say, “Probably not producing anymore WVU content. You think working my ass off for WVU Athletics for 7 years would have built up some goodwill. But not with Matt Wells. I am not surprised though.”
Probably not producing any more WVU content. You think working my ass off for WVU Athletics for 7 years would have built up some good will.. But not with @wmattwells…I am not surprised though haha. pic.twitter.com/v0DismHNQh
— Doug Cross (@DougityDog) June 13, 2020
Wells’ decision to file the DMCA Notice led to a firestorm of complaints from West Virginia fans and former athletes, including Steve Slaton, Stedman Bailey and Terence Garvin.
Sorry to hear man. The athletes always appreciated your work.
— Steve Slaton (@Steve23Slaton) June 13, 2020
Gotta fix this. Elite highlight Maher I’ve seen a lot of schools, a lot of different tapes @DougityDog is one the best. Make it make sense.
— Terence Garvin (@T_Garvin28) June 13, 2020
Wow… this makes me feel some kind of way. Doug is the best highlight film maker in the country. A guy that can take a person making plays on the field and make it look like a movie! See @Tayaustin01 or myself college highlights. Second to none! https://t.co/nsDxMSFbzr
— STEDMAN BAILEY SR (@iamSB3) June 13, 2020
Many fans cited Cross’ videos as being better and more influential than anything West Virginia sports has ever produced, and called Wells’ decision “ridiculous” and an “act of jealousy.”
Wells, to his credit, said that he would reach out to Cross and discuss the matter privately.
Thanks Matt for the response, hopefully we can figure this out
— Doug Cross (@DougityDog) June 13, 2020
With that said, West Virginia University and Matt Wells are simply wrong here. Doug Cross is a Mountaineer institution and he should be able to use any highlights or video clips that he wants from West Virginia sporting events. West Virginia Head Coach Neal Brown recently said that Cross’ highlight compilations, particularly the Tavon Austin YouTube video, had an incredible positive impact on recruiting for the Mountaineers. WVU and Wells should immediately release an apology and allow Cross to continue making the university and student athletes look great with his outstanding videos.
