Creighton men’s basketball coach Greg McDermott apologized Tuesday for the racially insensitive comments he made to his players following a loss to Xavier last week.
“On February 27, after an emotionally hard loss along the way, I addressed our sports students and staff in the after-game locker room and used a terribly inappropriate analogy to make a point about staying together as team despite the loss, “McDermott said in a statement posted on Twitter. “Specifically, I said, ‘Guys, we need to stay together. We need both legs. I need everyone to stay on the plantation. I can’t get anyone out of the plantation. “
“I immediately acknowledged my huge mistake and quickly approached the use of these insensitive words with my team. I never used this analogy and it doesn’t indicate who I am as a person or as a coach. I’m sorry. We apologized to the student-athletes. and our staff, as well as the President [Daniel] Hendrickson and athletics director Bruce Rasmussen.
“In the last 72 hours, I have had several difficult conversations with sports students, staff, parents and university administrators and I realize the pain my words have caused me. For that, I sincerely apologize. I am committed to making sure this never happens again and I use it as a learning experience. Although there is still work and confidence to be gained in return, I appreciate the honesty of our student-athletes and will maintain an open dialogue as we grow and learn together. “
Creighton issued a separate statement, calling the language McDermott used “deplorable” and “incompatible with the university’s values and commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.”
“Coach McDermott acknowledged the impact of his words and apologized to the student-athletes, their families and staff,” the school said. “While the apology is a start and, although we believe that this is no longer the case for coach McDermott, it does not diminish the fact that his remark was painful for many and has absolutely no place in the Creighton community. full and unconditional support for those affected by his words. “
Creighton’s assistant, Terrence Rencher, issued a statement addressing McDermott’s comments through Coaches For Action, a Big East group that seeks to educate and make players aware of social injustices. As part of the statement, Rencher said he was “deeply hurt” by McDermott’s words and said he was now focusing on supporting Bluejays players on any potential needs. He added that the team has opted to continue pursuing field goals this season, with McDermott on the sidelines.
Coach Rencher’s statement pic.twitter.com/nwk1MA1d8a
– Coaches for action (@ coaches4action) March 3, 2021
The loss to Xavier hit a four-game winning streak for No. 14 Bluejays (17-6 overall, 13-5 Big East).
McDermott has been Creighton’s head coach since 2010. Prior to taking over the Bluejays, he spent a decade as head coach in Iowa, North Iowa and North Dakota.