Wake Forest baseball coach Tom Walter responded after apparently being caught using a homophobic slur during the NCAA regionals.
“I am very sorry for my outburst in frustration last night and I recognize the hurt and disappointment it has caused,” Walter said in a Tuesday, June 3, statement released by the university. “I have seen the videos and while I do not remember the specific moment clearly, that language does not 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.”
During the 4th inning of Wake Forest’s College World Series regional game against the University of Tennessee on Monday, June 2, Walter was shown on ESPN during the at-bat of Tennessee’s Andrew Fischer, alleging mouthing the slur.
It was not clear who Walter was discussing at the time of the incident, which went viral on social media.
Moments after, Fischer hit a two-run home run to extend Tennessee’s lead to 8-2. Tennessee would ultimately win the game 11-5 and secure a victory in the Knoxville Regional. The loss ended Wake Forest’s season.
Wake Forest’s vice president and director of athletics, John Currie, also issued a statement on Tuesday condemning Walter’s alleged remark.
“I am both surprised and deeply disappointed in our head coach Tom Walter for his outburst during last night’s baseball game,” the statement 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.”
The controversial moment also earned the condemnation of fans and members of the media, including college baseball writer Aaron Fitt.
“Was very disappointed to see Tom Walter use a homophobic slur last night — he’s someone I have always respected as a leader of young men,”’ Fitt posted via X on Tuesday. “We need to do a better job making baseball a welcoming place for the gay community.”
Wes Rucker, who covers Tennessee athletics for 247Sports and CBS Sports, issued a similar message on social media.
“If any of us were caught on video saying what Tom Walter said tonight, we would be fired,” Rucker wrote via X. “Or, at the very least, we would be forced to attend classes and learn why you can’t call anyone that.”
He continued, “There’s no place for that word. We’re going backward as a society if we allow that.”
