After Homophobic Outburst, Wake Forrest Baseball Coach Tom Walter Apologizes

Wake Forest University baseball coach Tom Walter is owning up to throwing out a homophobic slur during a game against the Tennessee Volunteers, saying his words do not reflect his character.

Walter was caught on camera seemingly referring to someone as a “f—ing f—-” as he stood in the dugout right before a Volunteers player hit a two-run dinger.

Walter released a statement on the matter Tuesday morning.

“I am very sorry for my outburst in frustration last night, and I recognize the hurt and disappointment it has caused,” Walter said. “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.”

There’s speculation that Walter issued the words toward the home plate umpire he had exchanged with earlier in the game.

Demon Deacons athletic director John Currie also ripped Walter’s actions, saying he was “surprised and deeply disappointed.”

“I feel badly for those most hurt by such words”, Currie said. “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 Volunteers went on to win the ball game 11-5 on Monday night to win the Knoxville Regional and earn a best-of-three super regional matchup with the Arkansas Razorbacks for a chance to advance to the College World Series. 

Walter has been the coach at Wake Forest since 2010. He has led the Demon Deacons to the NCAA Tournament six times with one College World Series berth.

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Article by James Van Wickler