Yesterday’s Regional Final in the Fayetteville Super Regional between the Wake Forest and Tennessee baseball teams was slightly marred by a coach’s stunning use of a homophobic slur during the game.
As cameras panned to and from the field while Tennessee’s Andrew Fischer went to the plate in the seventh, Wake Forest head coach Tom Walter was caught on camera mouthing something. The audio from the Wake Forest dugout isn’t available, but you can pretty clearly make out what he’s saying based on some simple lip-reading.
Don’t forget, coaches.
Cameras are EVERYWHERE during NCAA Tournament…pic.twitter.com/8WFijUhQrR
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) June 2, 2025
Even if you choose to give Walter the benefit of the doubt and try to assume he was saying something else, Walter has released a statement apologizing for his actions.
In a statement shared with OutKick, Walter said that while he doesn’t remember the particular moment, that kind of language has no place at Wake Forest. He offered to take responsibility for his actions and to apologize to both schools and their associated conferences.
“I am very sorry for my outburst in frustration last night and I recognize the hurt and disappointment it has caused,” Walter said. “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 ACC & SEC.”
Andy Mead/Getty Images
Wake Forest athletic director John Currie also shared a statement, expressing surprise that Walter would act that way. He called it “out of character for him” and asserted that it is not acceptable at either the athletic program, the school or the ACC.
“I am both surprised and deeply disappointed in our head baseball coach Tom Walter for his outburst during last night’s baseball game,” AD John 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 the 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.”
Wake Forest lost the game to Tennessee and were subsequently eliminated from the NCAA Tournament. That might be a slight blessing in disguise as it means Walter won’t have to face any more cameras or interviews regarding what he said or did.
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