Wake Forest baseball coach Tom Walter has issued an apology after he was accused of using a homophobic slur during Monday’s game against Tennessee.
The Demon Deacons had their season come to an end with an 11-5 loss to Tennessee in the Knoxville Regional of the NCAA Tournament. As the Volunteers were breaking the game open in the bottom of the fourth inning, ESPN cameras showed Walter in the dugout.
Walter seemed understandably frustrated with the situation and said something that lip-readers believe was a gay slur.
"f**CKING FA**OTT" pic.twitter.com/dwV2lZ1Pew
— Reece 🍊 (@RToonzy) June 2, 2025
Walter was not asked about the moment during his postgame press conference, but the video was widely shared. He then issued a statement on Tuesday.
“I am very sorry for my outburst in frustration last night and I recognize the hurt and disappointment it has caused,” Walter wrote. “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 apologize to the University of Tennessee, to Wake Forest University, and the SEC & ACC.”
Wake Forest athletic director John Currie also said in a statement that he was “surprised and deeply disappointed” by Walter’s “outburst.”
Statements from Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie & Head Baseball Coach Tom Walter pic.twitter.com/PM9fv9eEIl
— Wake Forest Demon Deacons (@DemonDeacons) June 3, 2025
Walter has been the head coach at Wake Forest since 2010. He is well respected across college baseball and even donated a kidney to a player years ago.
Wake Forest has been to the NCAA Regionals the past four seasons and reached the College World Series in 2023.
