Creighton male basketball coach Greg McDermott was suspended from all team activities for racially insensitive comments he made to his players last week, the school announced Thursday night.
The decision came two days after the school said any disciplinary action 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 sports director Bruce Rasmussen in a statement. “Coach McDermott and the team accepted that, with immediate effect, he is suspended from all team activities, including the season finale at home against Butler on Saturday. Other sanctions are still being considered, not all of which will be made public.
“Coach McDermott and our Athletic program should use this incident as an opportunity for growth and learning, as it is clear that more work needs to be done.”
McDermott apologized on Tuesday for referring to a “plantation” for his players after a loss to Xavier last week.
“Specifically, I said, ‘Guys, we have to be together. We need both feet inside. I need everyone to stay on the plantation. I can’t let anyone leave the plantation,'” said McDermott.
McDermott said on the radio show before Creighton’s game on Wednesday – before training the Bluejays against Villanova – that he offered to resign because of his comments. He said the players did not ask for his resignation.
“Our guys wanted me to train, and that’s my job,” said McDermott.
After Creighton announced the suspension on Thursday, McDermott went on social media and said he believed the school’s decision was the right one.
“I made a mistake and it’s mine”, he tweeted. “Mistakes have consequences and I accept and agree to the suspension.”
McDermott has been the head coach of Creighton since 2010. Before taking on the Bluejays, he spent a decade as head coach in the state of Iowa, northern Iowa and the state of North Dakota.
Creighton, No. 14 in this week’s AP poll, dropped to 17-7 overall and 13-6 in the Big East after his consecutive defeats to Xavier and Villanova. Assistant Al Huss will serve as interim coach in McDermott’s absence.