Wake Forest coach apologizes for apparent anti-gay slur

Field Level Media|published: Tue 3rd June, 15:02 2025

Jun 17, 2023; Omaha, NE, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons head coach Tom Walter looks on before a game against the Stanford Cardinal at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images

Wake Forest baseball coach Tom Walter issued an apology on Tuesday after television cameras caught an apparent homophobic slur during an NCAA regional loss to Tennessee on Monday night.

"I am very sorry for my outburst in frustration last night and I recognize the hurt and disappointment it has caused," Walter said in a statement issued by the school. "I own the consequences and I apologize to the University of Tennessee, to Wake Forest University, and the SEC & ACC."

Walter, who has coached the Demon Deacons since 2010, added that the "language doesn't reflect my values or the standards of this program."

Wake Forest athletic director John Currie said he was "surprised and deeply disappointed" by the incident, which occurred during an 11-5 victory by the Volunteers to win the Knoxville Regional.

"I feel badly for those most hurt by such words," Currie said, per ESPN. "This incident ... 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."

Wake Forest finished its season with a 39-22 record. Walter, the 2023 ACC Coach of the Year, has guided the team to a 495-383-1 record.

--Field Level Media

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