Knoxville, Tenn. – Wake Forest coach and baseball, Tom Walter, apologized on Tuesday, so it seemed to be a homophobic insult captured by television cameras during a regional NCAA game against Tennessee.
“I am very sorry for my outburst in frustration last night and I recognize the pain 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 the University of Wake Forest, and the Sec & Acc”.
Walter said he has seen the video and does not remember the specific moment, but acknowledged “that language does not reflect my values or standards of this program.”
The Atlético de Wake Forest director John Currie said he was “surprised and deeply disappointed” and said he spoke with Walter after the game and again on Tuesday morning.
“I feel bad for the most injured by such words,” said Currie. “This incident … is completely out of place for him and does not meet the standards of Wake Forest Athletics, Wake Forest University or the Atlantic Coast Conference.”
Tennessee beat Wake Forest 11-5 on Monday night to win the regional Knoxville and win the best super regional confrontation with Arkansas to have the opportunity to advance to the World Series College.
A spokeswoman for the Atlantic coast conference did not respond immediately to an email for comments.
