PROVO, Utah – A BYU defensive back has made waves after saying he prefers playing away from Lavell Edwards Stadium because of “downer” fans in Provo.

The comments came from senior Michael Shelton during media availability after practice. He said the overall atmosphere was a lot better on the road.

“I am going to give you an honest opinion. I like playing on the road because to me I think the atmosphere is a lot better than our atmosphere at home,” Shelton said.

The Cougars have a 2-3 record at home this season, with losses to California, Utah State and Northern Illinois. BYU has a 4-7 record at Lavell Edwards Stadium over the last two seasons.

Shelton said the home crowd wasn’t helping them out.

“Sometimes our fans can be a downer, and it brings us down,” he said.

Listen to Michael Shelton’s comments:

Some BYU fans used Twitter to agree with Shelton’s comments. Despite the lack of scoring and big plays at home during the 2018 season, user @Timpanogas83 said the fans should bring more excitement to the games.

What Michael Shelton said is true. I think the fans do need to bring more energy to games and cheer for the team, especially when they are not playing well. But if the players are looking for excuses and not taking personal responsibility for their performance, that is a problem.

— Pre (@Timpanogos83) October 31, 2018

Twitter user Josh Pugmire said the team has looked better on the road, but the energy leaves Lavell Edwards Stadium too fast.

I tend to agree with Michael Shelton’s comments. The team has looked better on the road. After being at the games this year, energy does fizzle quickly from the fans. Too much marketing all around IMO and few offensive fireworks to boot.

— Josh Pugmire (@jjpug) October 31, 2018

Others were disappointed with his statements.

Hey Michael Shelton—if you and your mates show any heart whatsoever out there you might get some love.  #loveisearned

— Steve Young (@syoungslc) October 31, 2018

Former BYU and NFL linebacker Brady Poppinga said the Cougars need to earn the support of the fans with better performance.

Some guys just don’t get it. At the end of the day players are not entitled to their fan’s support. You got to earn it. Just like it says in the Gladiator you got to win the crowd. You win The Crowd by winning games.The players make the home environment what it is. @BYUfootball https://t.co/sy4LhtcN3L

— Brady poppinga (@BradyPoppinga) October 31, 2018

On KSL Unrivaled, former Utah and NFL quarterback Scott Mitchell told listeners about being booed at home for five years by Detroit Lions fans.

BYU fans haven’t booed the team at LES, but Shelton said the crowd was too quiet. Mitchell said speaking out to the media about your home crowd was not the way to win them over.

“Seriously, you CAN NOT say this,” Mitchell said.