Big East releases statement critical of racially insensitive comments by Creighton coach Greg McDermott
McDermott apologized Tuesday for "a terribly inappropriate analogy in making a point about staying together as a team" after a loss Saturday at Xavier.
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The Big East Conference released a statement Wednesday critical of Creighton men’s basketball coach Greg McDermott for racially insensitive comments he made to his players following a loss to Xavier last Saturday.
McDermott, whose Bluejays are taking on Villanova Wednesday night at Finneran Pavilion, issued a statement apologizing for what he said in the locker room to his players and staff following what he called “an emotionally tough loss on the road.”
“I used a terribly inappropriate analogy in making a point about staying together as a team despite the loss,” he said in the statement released on Twitter. “Specifically I said: ‘Guys, we got to stick together. We need both feet in. I need everybody to stay on the plantation. I can’t have anybody leave the plantation.’
“I immediately recognized my egregious mistake and quickly addressed my use of such insensitive words with my team. I have never used that analogy and it is not indicative of who I am as a person or as a coach. I am deeply sorry.”
McDermott said he apologized to his players and his staff, and also to university president Daniel Hendrickson and athletic director Bruce Rasmussen. McDermott said he has “engaged in multiple difficult conversations” with players, staff, parents, and university administrators since making the comments and “I realize the pain that my words have caused.”
A university statement called McDermott’s comments “deplorable.”
“While we believe this was out of character for Coach McDermott, in no way does it diminish the fact that his remark was hurtful to many and has absolutely no place in the Creighton community,” it said. “We have offered our full and unconditional support to those affected by his words.”
The Big East said McDermott’s comments “do not represent the mission and values of the Big East Conference, and are at odds with our schools’ commitment to inclusive cultures, racial sensitivity, equity, social justice and respect for our student-athletes and others associated with our programs.
“We believe Coach McDermott’s apology is a necessary first step in Creighton’s healing process, and we are confident that Creighton’s leadership will continue to address this matter in an appropriate manner.”
Limited fans for Big East Tournament
The conference said a limited number of tickets will be provided to each participating team in the Big East Tournament, set to begin next Wednesday at Madison Square Garden.
The decision was made following New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s announcement allowing partial spectator capacity at sporting events in the state.
The tickets will be designated for use by the members of each school’s travel party to permit families and guests of athletes, coaches, and team staff to attend games. There will be no public sale of tickets.
The conference said all ticketholders will be required to comply with all applicable New York public health regulations and arena policies.