Creighton basketball coach Greg McDermott suspended for urging players to “stay on the plantation”

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Creighton University suspended basketball coach Greg McDermott on Thursday night for using race-insensitive language while leading the team after a game last weekend.

McDermott publicly apologized Tuesday and Wednesday for urging his players to “stay on the plantation” after the 77-69 loss of Xavier Bluejays, ranked 14th.

McDermott coached the Bluejays’ 72-60 loss at No. 10 Villanova on Wednesday night. Assistant coach Alan Huss will serve as interim head coach for the home game against Butler on Saturday.

“I made a mistake and I own it,” McDermott said in a Twitter post after the suspension was announced. “Mistakes have consequences and I accept and agree to the suspension.”

Athletic director Bruce Rasmussen said he and the university’s president, the Rev. Daniel Hendrickson, met Thursday with administrators to determine disciplinary action against McDermott.

“Coach McDermott and the team have agreed that, with immediate effect, he will be suspended for all team activities, including the end of Saturday’s season against Butler.”

The university statement announcing the suspension did not specify how long McDermott would be suspended. Creighton sports spokesman Rob Anderson told The Associated Press that no end date has been set.

Rasmussen said additional sanctions are being considered, none of which will be made public.

“Coach McDermott and our athletics program need to use this incident as an opportunity for growth and learning, as it is clear that more work needs to be done.”

McDermott, in an apology he posted on Twitter on Tuesday, acknowledged that he said, “Guys, we have to stay together. We need both feet. I need everyone to stay on the plantation. I can’t get anyone out of the plantation. “

McDermott, who is white, said he immediately acknowledged he had made a “flagrant mistake” and addressed with his team the use of a term that evoked slavery and the southern antelope.

In a statement, the university called McDermott’s language “unfortunate” and said it was inconsistent with the values ​​and commitment of the private Jesuit school to create a welcoming environment.

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