Creighton men’s basketball coach Greg McDermott has been suspended from all team activities for racially insensitive comments he made to his players last week, the school announced Thursday night.
The decision came two days after the school said any disciplinary action would remain confidential.
“After our men’s basketball team in Creighton returned to Omaha earlier today, Father Hendrickson and I engaged with other senior leaders in dialogue and discussion about appropriate sanctions for comments made by men’s basketball head coach Greg McDermott. which were inconsistent with Creighton’s commitment to racial equity, diversity and respect, “athletic director Bruce Rasmussen said in a statement. the end of Saturday’s season against Butler. There are still additional sanctions, which will not be publicly shared.
“Coach McDermott and our Athletic program need to use this incident as an opportunity for growth and learning, as it is clear that more work needs to be done.”
McDermott apologized on Tuesday for referring to a “plantation” to his players following a loss to Xavier last week.
“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, “McDermott said.
McDermott said on Wednesday on Creighton’s pre-game radio show – before training Bluejays against Villanova – that he offered to resign because of his comments. He said the players did not demand his resignation.
“Our boys wanted to train and that’s my job,” McDermott said.
After Creighton announced the suspension on Thursday, McDermott switched to social media and said he believed the school’s decision was the right one.
“I made a mistake and I own it,” wrote on Twitter. “Mistakes come with consequences and I accept and agree with the suspension.”
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.
Creighton, number 14 in this week’s AP poll, dropped to 17-7 overall and 13-6 in the Far East after his back losses to Xavier and Villanova. Assistant Al Huss will serve as interim head coach in McDermott’s absence.