Creighton coach McDermott apologizes for postgame remarks

OMAHA, Neb. – Creighton’s men’s basketball coach is apologizing for remarks deemed inappropriate. Greg McDermott made the remarks to his team after the Bluejays’ loss to Xavier on Saturday.

“Guys, we got to stick together. We need both feet in. I need everyone to stay on the plantation. I can’t have anybody leave the plantation," he said in the locker room address.

Both McDermott and Creighton University issued statements on Tuesday.

 "While an apology is a start, and while we believe this was out of character for Coach McDermott, in no way does it diminish the fact that his remark was hurtful to many and has absolutely no place in the Creighton community," the university's statement said in part.

McDermott issued a tweet captioned "I'm sorry," that included a longer apology.

"I immediately recognized my egregious mistake and quickly addressed my use of such insensitive words with the team.," he said.

 

"I have never used that anology and it is not indicative of who I am as a person or as a coach. I am deeply sorry."

"Over the last 72 hours, I have engaged in multiple difficult conversations with student athletes, staff, parents, and University administrators and I realize the pain that my words have caused," McDermott said.

McDermott, who began his head coaching career with another Nebraska job, at Division II Wayne State College, has also coached at North Dakota State, Northern Iowa and Iowa State. McDermott has led Creighton to five NCAA Tournament appearances since arriving in Omaha in 2010.