Coach at NCAA Regionals apologizes for apparent homophobic slur

Wake Forest baseball coach Tom Walter apologized Tuesday a day after he was caught on television cameras screaming a homophobic slur toward a Tennessee player during an NCAA Regional game against 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 by the school. “I own the consequences, and I apologize to the University of Tennessee, to Wake Forest University, and the SEC & ACC.”

Check out the video here.

Walter appeared to directing the slur at Andrew Fischer, who responded by hitting a two-run home run.

Manny Marin hit a two-out, three-run home run, and Fischer’s shot highlighted a seven-run fourth inning as No. 14 overall seed and defending champion Tennessee beat Wake Forest 11-5 to win the Knoxville Regional.

Walter said he saw the video. He said he doesn’t remember the specific moment but added “that language doesn’t reflect my values or the standards of this program.”

Wake Forest athletic director John Currie said he spoke with Walter after the game about the incident.

“I feel badly for those most hurt by such words,” Currie said. “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.”

The Volunteers (46-17) travel to play No. 3 seed Arkansas (46-13) in a best-of-three super regional for a berth in the College World Series.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.