Wake Forest Coach Apologizes for On-Air Slur

Wake Forest baseball coach Tom Walter apologized after appearing to use a homophobic slur during an NCAA Tournament game against Tennessee, an incident broadcast on ESPN that went viral on social media. The outburst occurred in the fourth inning and drew widespread condemnation from fans, media, and Wake Forest athletic director John Currie. Walter stated the language did not reflect his or the program's values and apologized to both universities and the athletic conferences involved. The Atlantic Coast Conference has not yet commented, and no immediate disciplinary action has been announced. The controversy has overshadowed Wake Forest's season-ending loss to Tennessee and sparked discussions about sportsmanship and inclusivity, particularly as the incident coincided with Pride Month. The event has also raised concerns about the impact on institutional reputations and partnerships.