Creighton Coach Greg McDermott Remains Employed After Plantation Remarks

Creighton University Mens' Basketball Coach Greg McDermott remains employed after making deeply offensive remarks following his team's loss to Xavier University last week. According to multiple reports, McDermott made referencing to plantations when speaking to his predominantly Black team.

"Specifically, I 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'," McDermott said in a statement.

After his comments were shared with the public, McDermott issued a public apology. In his statements, McDermott claimed that the comments were "not indicative" of who he was as a coach.

"I immediately recognized my egregious mistake and quickly addressed my use of such insensitive words with my team. 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. I have apologized to our student-athletes and to our staff, as well as to President Hendrickson and Director of Athletics Bruce Rasmussen," he stated.

"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 ensuring 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."

The university called McDermott's comments "deplorable" and assistant coach Terrence Rencher said he was "deeply hurt" by his colleague's words. In spite of his remarks, it appears that McDermott will stay on as head coach. He claims that he attempted to resign, but his players wanted him to return.

"Our guys wanted me to coach and that's my job," McDermott said.

McDermott will return to the sidelines on March 6 as the Bluejays take on the Butler Bulldogs.

Photo Credit: Getty Images


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content