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Wake Forest Baseball Players Voice Support Of Tom Walter Amid Controversy

#Wake Forest Demon Deacons
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Wake Forest baseball coach Tom Walter in the dugout.

© Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images


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Wake Forest baseball coach Tom Walter made negative headlines during the Demon Deacons’ NCAA Tournament appearance in Knoxville this past weekend. Walter was caught by cameras uttering a homophobic slur in the dugout.

He’s since apologized for his actions following a season-ending loss to Tennessee. Despite receiving criticism, a few of his players have the coach’s back.

The unfortunate moment took place during the fourth inning of a winner-take-all NCAA Regional matchup between the Demon Deacons and Vols. The victor would advance to a Super Regional. The loser would go home for the offseason.

Tensions were high. Emotion was seen from both sides in the decisive elimination game. The Vols led 6-2 in the bottom of that fourth frame with slugger Andrew Fischer stepping up to the dish.

Before entering the batter’s box, Fischer turned to the home crowd in an attempt to get fans on their feet. Cameras panned to the Wake Forest baseball team’s dugout for a reaction.

It wasn’t difficult to read Tom Walter’s lips. He later admitted to using the foul language in an apologetic online statement.

I am very sorry for my outburst in frustration last night, and I recognize the hurt and disappointment it has caused. 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 the program. Regardless, I own the consequences, and I apologize to the University of Tennessee, to Wake Forest University, and the SEC & ACC.

-Tom Walter

To this point, that apology is the only public step that’s been taken in addressing the situation. It’s unclear whether the school will take further action.

Some have called for the coach’s job. Others demand a suspension and community service. There has been an overwhelmingly negative response, which was to be expected. Still, his players have come forward to voice their support of Tom Walter.

Wake Forest baseball players defend their head coach.

Veteran pitcher Matt Bedford wrote a message to his social media following on Tuesday night. A few of his teammates, including Chris Katz and Marek Houston, reposted the note on X.

“With the situation that has been going viral with Coach Walter the last 24 hours, I cannot hold my tongue any longer,” Bedford wrote. “Human beings are not perfect. We all make mistakes. What you see in a five-second clip is not indicative of who Coach Walter is as a coach, leader, and most importantly, person…

“One moment should not define him as a whole. The impact I’ve seen Wake Forest baseball have on the community is like nothing I’ve ever seen before, and that is all a tribute to Coach Tom Walter. He has even given a kidney to one of his players that needed it. Help make social media a place for good in the world.”

Tom Walter has coached Wake Forest baseball for 16 years. In that time, the Demon Deacons have won nearly 500 games while making a College World Series appearance in 2023.

Controversy currently surrounds the coach. He appears to have the support of his team.