Creighton coach Greg McDermott apologizes for racially insensitive remarks

Creighton men's basketball coach Greg McDermott apologized Tuesday for racially insensitive remarks he made this past weekend that included "a terribly inappropriate analogy," he said on his Twitter account.

"Specifically, I said: 'Guys, we got to stick together,' " McDermott tweeted. " 'We need both feet in. I need everybody to stay on the plantation. I can't have anybody leave the plantation.' "

The word "plantation" carries racist overtones for its connotations of slavery and repression. 

"I immediately recognized my egregious mistake and quickly addressed my use of such insensitive words with the team," he wrote. "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's comments came after then No. 11 Creighton's 77-69 loss to Big East rival Xavier. The Blue Jays fell one spot in this week's Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll.

Bluejays coach Greg McDermott wears a towel in memory of former Georgetown coach John Thompson. (Photo: Steven Branscombe, USA TODAY Sports)

Earlier last week in a win against DePaul, McDermott was one of many Division I coaches to wear a towel over his shoulder bearing the image of former Georgetown coach John Thompson, the first Black coach to win a men's basketball NCAA national championship.

"Over the last 72 hours, I have engaged in multiple difficult conversations with student athletes, staff, parents, and University administrators and I realize the pain that my words have caused," McDermott said in his tweet. "For that, I sincerely apologize.

"I am committed to ensure that this will never happen again and am using this as a learning experience. While there remains work to be done and trust to earn back, I appreciate our student-athletes' honesty and will maintain an open dialogue as we grow and learn together."

Creighton's coach since 2010, McDermott has gone 248-122 with the Blue Jays and made five trips to the NCAA Tournament, advancing three times to the second round.

Follow colleges reporter Paul Myerberg on Twitter @PaulMyerberg

Source: Read Full Article