The Wake Forest University baseball coach, Tom Walter, is coming under fire after television crews caught him saying a homophobic slur during Monday night’s NCAA regional game between the University of Tennessee and the Demon Deacons.
According to ESPN, Wake Forest lost to Tennessee, and in one of those tense moments, Walter’s foul language was audible by the microphones.
The Wake Forest University baseball coach, Tom Walter, is coming under fire after television crews caught him saying a homophobic slur during Monday night’s NCAA regional game between the University of Tennessee and the Demon Deacons.
According to ESPN, Wake Forest lost to Tennessee, and in one of those tense moments, Walter’s foul language was audible by the microphones.
“I am very sorry for my outburst in frustration last night and I recognize the hurt and disappointment it has caused," Walter said in a statement issued by the school. "I own the consequences and I apologize to the University of Tennessee, to Wake Forest University, and the SEC & ACC."Â
Wake Forest University athletic director John Currie said, “I feel badly for those most hurt by such words. This incident ... is completely out of character for him and does not meet the standards of Wake Forest Athletics, Wake Forest University or the Atlantic Coast Conference."
The incident allegedly took place in the bottom of the fourth inning, just after Walter had a conversation with the home plate umpire. Andrew Fischer of Tennessee was next to bat, and he hit a home run, further burying the Demon Deacons.Â
“I have seen the videos and while I do not remember the specific moment clearly, that language doesn't reflect my values or the standards of this program,” said Walter.
According to WRAL News, Walter, who just completed his 16th season with Wake Forest University, is nearing 1,000 career wins across several universities and nearly 500 wins with the Demon Deacons.
