Wake Forest Baseball Coach Addresses Controversial Slur Incident

Wake Forest baseball coach Tom Walter has publicly addressed his use of a homophobic slur during a recent NCAA regional game against the University of Tennessee.

“I am very sorry for my outburst in frustration last night and I recognize the hurt and disappointment it has caused,” Walter stated in a release from the university on June 3. “I have seen the videos and while I do not remember the specific moment clearly, that language does not 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.”

The incident occurred during the fourth inning of the game on June 2, when Walter was caught on camera appearing to mouth the slur while Tennessee’s Andrew Fischer was at bat. The moment quickly gained traction on social media.

As Fischer hit a two-run home run shortly after the incident, Tennessee extended their lead to 8-2, ultimately winning the game 11-5 and eliminating Wake Forest from the tournament.

John Currie, Wake Forest’s vice president and director of athletics, expressed his disappointment in Walter’s actions. “I am both surprised and deeply disappointed in our head coach Tom Walter for his outburst during last night’s baseball game,” Currie said in his statement. “I feel badly for those most hurt by such words. 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 backlash extended beyond university officials, with fans and media members voicing their concerns. College baseball writer Aaron Fitt remarked on social media, “Was very disappointed to see Tom Walter use a homophobic slur last night — he’s someone I have always respected as a leader of young men. We need to do a better job making baseball a welcoming place for the gay community.”

Wes Rucker, who covers Tennessee athletics for 247Sports, echoed similar sentiments. “If any of us were caught on video saying what Tom Walter said tonight, we would be fired,” Rucker wrote. “Or, at the very least, we would be forced to attend classes and learn why you can’t call anyone that. There’s no place for that word. We’re going backward as a society if we allow that.”