Wake Forest's Tom Walter Apologizes After Apparent Use of Anti-Gay Slur on Video

Wake Forest head baseball coach Tom Walter was seen on video directing what appeared to be an anti-gay slur toward Tennessee's Andrew Fischer during the Volunteers' 11-5 win on Monday at the Knoxville Regional final.

On Tuesday, Walter apologized.

"I am very sorry for my outburst in frustration last night and I recognize the hurt and disappointment it has caused," Walter said in a statement. "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 and ACC."

Immediately after Walter was seen on camera appearing to use an anti-gay slur, Fischer blasted a two-run homer.

"I am both surprised and deeply disappointed in our head baseball coach Tom Walter for his outburst during last night's baseball game," Wake Forest president and director of athletics John Currie said in a statement. "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."

Walter has served as the Wake Forest head coach since 2010, going 493-381-1 with a trip to the College World Series in 2023, Super Regional in 2017 and the Regional the past four years. He previously coached at New Orleans, George Washington and in the Cape Cod League.

Wake Forest's loss on Monday ended their season, while Tennessee is off to the Fayetteville Super Regional to face Arkansas.