Tom Walter Apologizes For ‘Outburst’ After Viral Video Appears To Show Him Using Anti-Gay Slur

Image credit: Wake Forest coach Tom Walter (Photo by Brian Westerholt/Four Seam Images)

Wake Forest on Tuesday morning issued statements from head baseball coach Tom Walter and athletic director John Currie, addressing what Currie called an “outburst” in a clip caught on ESPN, which was shared widely and drew immediate criticism from fans, who accused the longtime coach of using a homophobic slur.

The incident occurred while Tennessee infielder Andrew Fischer was at the plate in the fourth inning of Monday’s elimination game between the Volunteers and Demon Deacons.

“I am very sorry for my outburst in frustration last night and I recognize the hurt and disappointment it has caused,” Walter’s statement read. “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 SEC & ACC.”

Fischer hit a home run shortly after Walter was seen on the broadcast using profane language and Tennessee went on to eliminate Wake Forest with an 11-5 victory.

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

It’s unclear if any further action could stem from Monday’s incident, according to a source, who shared with Baseball America that Currie took an immediate sharp course of action, confronting Walter about the matter on Monday night and again Tuesday morning.

Walter just completed his 16th year at Wake Forest. He reached the College World Series in 2023.