Creighton University men’s basketball coach Greg McDermott was suspended on Thursday after urging his players to “stay in the field” during a speech in the locker room after a defeat on Saturday.
His suspension from Nebraska-based Big East school was announced just two days after authorities said any disciplinary action against McDermott would remain confidential.
“After our men’s basketball team Creighton returned to Omaha earlier today, Fr. Hendrickson and I talked to other senior leaders in a dialogue and discussion about appropriate sanctions for the observations made by male basketball coach Greg McDermott who were not in alignment. with Creighton’s commitment to racial equality, diversity and respect, “said Creighton athletic director Bruce Rasmussen in a statement. “Coach McDermott and the team accepted that, with immediate effect, he was suspended from all team activities, including the season finale at home against Butler on Saturday.”
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McDermott, 56, who was in his 11th season with Creighton Bluejays, indicated on Twitter Thursday night that he accepted the decision.
“I made a mistake and I recognize it. Mistakes have consequences and I accept and agree with the suspension,” wrote the coach.
McDermott, who is white, acknowledged telling his players after a 77-69 loss to Xavier on Saturday: “Guys, we have to be together. We need both feet inside. I need everyone to stay on the plantation. I can’t send anyone out. of the plantation. “
Creighton has a racially diverse list that includes several black players.
On Tuesday, McDermott apologized on Twitter, writing that he used a “terribly inappropriate analogy to make a point of staying together as a team despite the loss.”
“I have never used this analogy and it does not indicate who I am as a person or as a coach,” McDermott said in his post. “I am deeply sorry. I apologized to our student-athletes and our team.”
Creighton coach Greg McDermott assists the team during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Butler in Indianapolis on January 16, 2021. (AP Photo / Darron Cummings, Archive)
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McDermott trained Creighton behind the scenes during the team’s 72-60 defeat against Villanova on Wednesday, the Omaha World-Herald reported. It was the team’s first game since its controversial comments.
Assistant coach Alan Huss has been named interim head coach, according to Rasmussen’s statement on Thursday. The school added that McDermott may face further disciplinary action.
“Coach McDermott and our track and field program should use this incident as an opportunity for growth and learning, as it is clear that more work needs to be done,” added the statement.
The Bluejays are expected to start playing in the postseason next week in the Big East tournament.
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Prior to taking on the Creighton show, McDermott served as a head coach in the state of Iowa, northern Iowa and the state of North Dakota.
The Associated Press contributed to this report