BY ERIC OLSON, AP Sports journalist
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Creighton coach Greg McDermott apologized Tuesday for asking his players to stay at the plantation for a post-game locker room talk after losing over the weekend.
In a statement posted on Twitter, McDermott said he used “a terribly inadequate analogy to emphasize that despite the loss, you should stay together as a team”.
McDermott, who is white, admitted and said, “Guys, we have to stick together. We need both feet. I need everyone to stay on the plantation. I can’t let anyone leave the plantation. “
The comments came after Bluejays’ 77-69 loss to Xavier in Cincinnati. McDermott said he immediately realized he had made a “tremendous mistake” and with his team raised the use of a term reminiscent of slavery and the antebellum South.
Creighton has a racially diverse squad that includes several black players.
“I’ve never used that analogy and it doesn’t indicate who I am as a person or as a coach,” McDermott said in his post. “I am very sorry. I apologized to our athletes and our staff. “
The coach added that he apologized directly to Creighton’s President, Rev. Daniel Hendrickson, and Sporting Director Bruce Rasmussen.
Creighton spokesman Rob Anderson declined to comment on whether players or staff complained to the administrators about the comment or why the apology was made public.
In a statement, the university described the McDermott language as “unfortunate” and said it contradicted the values and commitment of the private Jesuit school to creating a welcoming environment.
“While an apology is a start, and we believe this was atypical for Manager McDermott, it doesn’t in any way diminish the fact that his remark was hurtful to many and has absolutely no place in the Creighton community,” it said Explanation . “We offered our full and unconditional support to those affected.”
Hendrickson and Rasmussen met with players in person in Cincinnati on Monday, and both also spoke to McDermott to “unequivocally” condemn his language, the statement said.
The school said disciplinary action would remain confidential.
Creighton plays at Villanova 10 on Wednesday night.
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