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Creighton Coach Greg McDermott Apologizes For Postgame ‘Plantation’ Comment

NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 27: Creighton Bluejays head coach Greg McDermott during the first half of the college basketball game between the Seton Hall Pirates and the Creighton Bluejays on January 27, 2021 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.(Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)

Creighton men’s basketball coach Greg McDermott recently made headlines for referencing a ‘plantation’ during a postgame press conference.

Here was what McDermott 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”

Now, Greg McDermott has expressed remorse following backlash over his ignorant reference.

“I have never used that analogy and it is not indicative of who I am as a person or as a coach,” he said via Complex. “I am deeply sorry. I have apologized to our student-athletes and to our staff, as well as to President Hendrickson and Director of Athletics Bruce Rasmussen.

“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. 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 released a statement about the Greg McDermott slip up.

“Coach McDermott acknowledged the impact of his words and apologized to his student-athletes, their families and his staff,” they said. “While an apology is a start, and 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. We have offered our full and unconditional support to those affected by his words.

Greg McDermott has enjoyed a lot of success as the head coach of the Creighton team. He’s held down the position since 2010, and his team currently sits at 14th in the AP Poll. Hopefully McDermott learns from his mistake.


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