Creighton Suspends Coach Greg McDermott Following Racially Insensitive Comments

Creighton men’s basketball coach Greg McDermott has been suspended from all team activities. The suspension is a result of McDermott’s racially insensitive comments to his players last week.

Athletic director Bruce Rasmussen released a statement, confirming the punishments for the comments made. “After our Creighton men’s basketball team returned to Omaha earlier today, Fr. Hendrickson and I engaged with other senior leaders in dialogue and discussion regarding appropriate sanctions for the remarks made by Head Men’s Basketball Coach Greg McDermott that were not in alignment with Creighton’s commitment to racial equity, diversity, and respect,” Rasmussen said in his statement.

Last week, McDermott said to his players,  “Guys, we got to stick together. We need both feet in. I need everybody to stay on the plantation. I can’t have anybody leave the plantation.” The coach apologized for this comment and revealed to Creighton’s pregame radio show that he offered to resign for his comments. “Our guys wanted me to coach, and that’s my job,” McDermott said.

Following Rasmussen’s statement, McDermott responded to the statement with support. The coach said, “I made a mistake and I own it. Mistakes come with consequences, and I accept and agree with the suspension.”