Hawaii's Football Coach says Notre Dame Did a "lil faggot dance" before Hawaii Bowl
Hawaii coach apologizes for gay slur
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ESPN.com news services
Hawaii football coach Greg McMackin used a homosexual slur in describing a dance performed by Notre Dame players at a banquet prior to the teams' meeting in the 2008 Hawaii Bowl.
College football nation blog
Watson ESPN.com's Graham Watson writes about stories happening in college football nation as part of ESPN's blog network.
McMackin, speaking Thursday at the Western Athletic Conference media day in Salt Lake City, said each team came together for a cheer, and the Fighting Irish did a "little f----- dance" for Hawaii. The Warriors then performed a shaka, which is a traditional Hawaiian greeting gesture.
After using the slur, McMackin asked media in attendance not to report on it, then made a fumbling attempt at an apology. After departing the interview room, he later returned to apologize to reporters.
"I want to officially, officially apologize," the coach said, according to reports. "Please don't write that statement I said as far as Notre Dame. The reason is, I don't care about Notre Dame. But I'm not a ... I don't want to come out and have every homosexual ticked off at me. You know what I mean. Because I don't have any problem with homosexuals. But I apologize for saying that and I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't run that word.
"If you said dance, that's OK. But don't use the bad term that I chose, please. Thank you."
At the urging of conference officials, McMackin then made a more formal apology, and the university released a statement Thursday afternoon in which McMackin said, "I sincerely apologize for the inappropriate words that I used. My comments were out of character and I have no prejudices against anyone. I'm really upset with myself and I'm truly sorry for my remarks.
"I'd also like to add that I have nothing but respect for the University of Notre Dame. It's a fine institution with a proud football tradition."
Notre Dame spokesman Brian Hardin told ESPN.com the university would have no comment on the matter.
WAC commissioner Karl Benson told ESPN.com's Graham Watson that the conference would wait to determine whether punishment was necessary until a university review was completed. At that time, Benson, who was in the room during McMackin's news conference, said he would issue an appropriate response from the league.
"It was an unfortunate decision where a coach used some very derogatory language," Benson said by phone from Salt Lake City.
The WAC was recording all coaches news conferences for its Web site, but Benson said it had no plans to post McMackin's original remarks or his apology. Audio of McMackin's interview was posted on the Idaho Statesman's Web site.
"More than likely we will not stream his interview," Benson said. "His remarks were offensive and it would serve no purpose for the WAC to distribute those remarks via video on our Web site."
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lol @ pleading with reporters not to tell on him for using the word....yea like thats goin to happen
Hawaii coach apologizes for gay slur
Comment Email Print Share
ESPN.com news services
Hawaii football coach Greg McMackin used a homosexual slur in describing a dance performed by Notre Dame players at a banquet prior to the teams' meeting in the 2008 Hawaii Bowl.
College football nation blog
Watson ESPN.com's Graham Watson writes about stories happening in college football nation as part of ESPN's blog network.
McMackin, speaking Thursday at the Western Athletic Conference media day in Salt Lake City, said each team came together for a cheer, and the Fighting Irish did a "little f----- dance" for Hawaii. The Warriors then performed a shaka, which is a traditional Hawaiian greeting gesture.
After using the slur, McMackin asked media in attendance not to report on it, then made a fumbling attempt at an apology. After departing the interview room, he later returned to apologize to reporters.
"I want to officially, officially apologize," the coach said, according to reports. "Please don't write that statement I said as far as Notre Dame. The reason is, I don't care about Notre Dame. But I'm not a ... I don't want to come out and have every homosexual ticked off at me. You know what I mean. Because I don't have any problem with homosexuals. But I apologize for saying that and I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't run that word.
"If you said dance, that's OK. But don't use the bad term that I chose, please. Thank you."
At the urging of conference officials, McMackin then made a more formal apology, and the university released a statement Thursday afternoon in which McMackin said, "I sincerely apologize for the inappropriate words that I used. My comments were out of character and I have no prejudices against anyone. I'm really upset with myself and I'm truly sorry for my remarks.
"I'd also like to add that I have nothing but respect for the University of Notre Dame. It's a fine institution with a proud football tradition."
Notre Dame spokesman Brian Hardin told ESPN.com the university would have no comment on the matter.
WAC commissioner Karl Benson told ESPN.com's Graham Watson that the conference would wait to determine whether punishment was necessary until a university review was completed. At that time, Benson, who was in the room during McMackin's news conference, said he would issue an appropriate response from the league.
"It was an unfortunate decision where a coach used some very derogatory language," Benson said by phone from Salt Lake City.
The WAC was recording all coaches news conferences for its Web site, but Benson said it had no plans to post McMackin's original remarks or his apology. Audio of McMackin's interview was posted on the Idaho Statesman's Web site.
"More than likely we will not stream his interview," Benson said. "His remarks were offensive and it would serve no purpose for the WAC to distribute those remarks via video on our Web site."
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lol @ pleading with reporters not to tell on him for using the word....yea like thats goin to happen
