In the fourth inning of the Tennessee baseball win over Wake Forest, ESPN cameras appeared to catch Wake Forest head coach Tom Walter using a homophobic slur towards Andrew Fischer. The video of the incident went viral.
On Tuesday morning, Wake Forest and Walter have wasted no time in addressing the situation. The Demon Deacons released a statement from both Walter and Wake Forest Athletic Director John Currie. Walter showcased remorse with how things went down.
"I am very sorry for my outburst in frustration last night and I recognize the hurt and disappointment it has caused," Walter said in the statement. "I have seen the videos and while I do not remember the specific moment clearly, that language doesn’t reflect my values or the standards of this program. Regardless, I own the consequences and I apologize to the University of Tennessee, to Wake Forest University, and the SEC & ACC.”
Wake Forest HC Tom Walter has apologized for using a homophobic slur in the loss to Tennessee
In the fourth inning, Fischer was seen hyping up the crowd. Shortly after that, the ESPN cameras indeed panned to Walter and he appeared to use the derogatory slur. He confirmed on Tuesday what everyone thought he said, with Currie adding that it was completely unacceptable.
“I am both surprised and deeply disappointed in our head baseball coach Tom Walter for his outburst during last night’s baseball game," Currie said. "I feel badly for those most hurt by such words. I spoke with Coach Walter immediately after the game and again this morning to address this incident, which is completely out of character for him and does not meet the standards of Wake Forest Athletics, Wake Forest University or the Atlantic Coast Conference.”
Fischer likely didn't see what Walter had to say, as he was more focused on trying to extend Tennessee's lead. He did just that by drilling a 2-run dinger. Now, Tennessee is on to the next round to take on Arkansas in the super regional. Wake Forest saw its season come to a close thanks to Tennessee, Fischer and others.