By ADAM ZAGORIA
Creighton coach Greg McDermott has issued an apology for making a reference to a “plantation” in the locker room after his team’s 77-69 loss to Xavier on Saturday.
In a Twitter post, McDermott said he told the team he would “need everybody to stay on the plantation” and “can’t have everybody leave.”
He said he “immediately recognized my egregious mistake and quickly addressed my use of such insensitive words with the team.”
McDermott, 56, has been at Creighton since 2010 and has taken the Blue Jays to five NCAA Tournaments. He is the father of Indiana Pacers forward Doug McDermott.
Last October, Penn State coach Pat Chambers stepped down after an internal investigation of inappropriate conduct. The Undefeated published an article in which former Penn State guard Rasir Bolton alleged Chambers made a comment involving a “noose around [his] neck” and said that led him to transfer.
Creighton assistant Terrence Rencher, one of several African-American Big East assistant coaches who formed a group called Coaches For Action, released a statement saying that he was “deeply hurt” by what McDermott said and “never witnessed any racist energy from him.” Rencher said that the players “have decided to continue to chase their goals this season with coach McDermott…”
Creighton issued a separate statement on McDermott, saying he “used deplorable language that is inconsistent with the university’s values and commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.” The school declined to disclose the nature of any disciplinary action he might receive.”
Photo: AP
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