Wake Forest baseball coach’s appalling slur sparks outrage… before he faces instant karma against Tennessee

By ALEX RASKIN

Wake Forest baseball coach Tom Walter has apologized after cameras witnessed him appearing to use a homophobic slur during Saturday’s NCAA Regional Tournament loss to No. 14 Tennessee.

‘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 Tuesday. ‘I have seen the videos and while I do not remember the specific moment clearly, that language doesn’t 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 [Southeastern Conference] & [Atlantic Coast Conference].’

The incident took place during the fourth inning in Knoxville with Tennessee slugger and potential first-round draft pick Andrew Fischer at the plate. It’s difficult to say what, exactly, Walter was upset about, but Fischer was seen trying to pump up the crowd as he stepped into the batter’s box. 

ESPN announcers said Walter had a few words with the umpire before cameras coach the irate Demon Deacons coach appearing to yell: ‘F***ing f*****!’

Fischer responded with some instant karma by driving his 24th home run of the season deep to right field to give the Volunteers an 8-2 lead. Tennessee would go on to win, 11-5, ending Wake Forest’s season to advance to a Super Regional matchup with Arkansas in Fayetteville on Saturday.

Wake Forest baseball coach Tom Walter has apologized after cameras witnessed him appearing to use the homophobic slur ‘f***ing f*****’ during’ Saturday’s NCAA Regional loss

Tennessee’s Andrew Fischer (11) celebrates his home run after Walter’s dugout outburst 

In addition to Walter’s apology, Wake Forest athletic director John Currie has also issued a statement expressing his dissatisfaction with the Demon Deacon manager.

‘I am both surprised and deeply disappointed in our head baseball coach Tom Walter for his outburst during last night’s baseball game,’ Currie said.

‘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.’

Walter has enjoyed success at Wake Forest since taking over in 2010. Since then, he’s turned the Demon Deacons from an ACC stepping stone into a perennial contender and even reached the College World Series in 2023.

He’s also produced a number of first-round draft picks, such as Cincinnati Reds pitching prospects Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder as well as budding Athletics minor-league first baseman Nick Kurtz.

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Wake Forest baseball coach’s appalling slur sparks outrage… before he faces instant karma against Tennessee

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