Laurence Kesterson/Associated Press
Creighton athletic director Bruce Rasmussen announced Monday head coach Greg McDermott would be reinstated and cleared to participate in all team activities, including this week s Big East tournament, after his racially insensitive comments in late February.
Creighton University @Creighton
A statement from Creighton Athletic Director Bruce Rasmussen regarding the Creighton Men’s Basketball Program: https://t.co/tNBJqlxcMl Specifically, I said: Guys, we got to stick together. We need both feet in. I need everybody to stay on the plantation, McDermott told reporters several days after Creighton s 77-69 loss on Feb. 27. I can t have anybody leave the plantation.
“Through his immediate apology, ownership of his actions, difficult dialogue with his team and more, Coach McDermott has demonstrated a commitment to grow,” Rasmussen continued. “I believe his apology, his commitment to grow from this, to learn, and to regain the trust of his student-athletes and others impacted by his words.”
Last week, McDermott described the speech he gave his players.
“Specifically, I said: ‘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,’” McDermott said Tuesday.
He coached Wednesday before the school suspended him for one game on Thursday. Before Wednesday’s game, McDermott said on the Bluejays’ pregame show that he offered to resign for the comments. He said his players didn’t want that.
Greg McDermott to return to coaching duties at Creighton klkntv.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from klkntv.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
He said, “Our guys wanted me to coach, and that’s my job.”
McDermott said after the loss Wednesday that his team was, “emotionally exhausted.”
McDermott also said, “It’s been a long week for our team, and I’m proud of the way they fought and they didn’t quit…”
Currently, Creighton is 17-7. The Blue Jays are ranked 13 and they are second in the Big East.
McDermott has been with Creighton since 2010. He is 248-122 in his 11 years with the team.
Where Creighton goes from here
It is unclear how long McDermott’s suspension will be. Assistant coach Al Huss will take over for Saturday’s game against Butler. Huss may be in charge as the team heads to New York for the Big East tournament. The conference tournament begins Wednesday, March 10.