Wake Forest head baseball coach Tom Walter issued a public apology after video from the NCAA Tournament game against Tennessee appeared to show him using a homophobic slur. The incident occurred during a crucial moment in the game, with the Volunteers leading 6-2 and their star first baseman, Andrew Fischer, at the plate. Walter claimed he had not seen the viral video and did not remember the moment, but affirmed that his language did not align with his values. In a statement, Walter expressed regret for his outburst, acknowledging the hurt and disappointment caused. Wake Forest athletic director John Currie also issued a statement, calling the incident out of character for Walter and stating it did not meet the standards of Wake Forest Athletics or the ACC. The Volunteers went on to win 11-5, eliminating Wake Forest from the NCAA Tournament.
Wake Forest head baseball coach Tom Walter has issued a public apology following the release of video from the NCAA Tournament game against Tennessee, which captured him appearing to use a homophobic slur during the match. The incident occurred during a critical moment in the game, with the Volunteers leading 6-2 and their star first baseman, Andrew Fischer, at the plate. Walter claimed he had not seen the viral video and did not remember the moment, but acknowledged that his language did not reflect his values or the standards of the program. In a statement issued by Wake Forest, Walter expressed regret for his outburst, recognizing the hurt and disappointment it had caused. He apologized to the University of Tennessee, Wake Forest University, and the SEC & ACC, stating, ‘I own the consequences and I apologize.’
Wake Forest athletic director John Currie also issued a statement, expressing both surprise and deep disappointment at Walter’s outburst. Currie emphasized that the incident was completely out of character for Walter and did not meet the standards of Wake Forest Athletics, the university, or the Atlantic Coast Conference. ‘I feel badly for those most hurt by such words,’ Currie said. ‘I spoke with Coach Walter immediately after the game and again this morning to address this incident.’
The outburst occurred after Walter had some words with the home plate umpire, and cameras panned to the Wake Forest dugout where Walter appeared to yell a homophobic slur with Fischer at the. The Vols left-handed hitter proceeded to smash a two-run home on a 1-2 count to extend Tennessee’s lead to 8-2. Tennessee went on to win 11-5, eliminating Wake Forest from the NCAA Tournament. In his 16th season leading the Demon Deacons, Walter is the program’s second all-time leader in wins with 493 after this past campaign. Wake Forest has consistently produced major league talent, including five first-round MLB Draft in 2023 and 2024. Walter is just one of three active head coaches in the country to lead three different programs to the NCAA Tournament. He coached previously at George Washington and New Orleans.