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Creighton's McDermott apologizes for offensive analogy in postgame speech

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Creighton men's basketball coach Greg McDermott issued a public apology Tuesday for using an offensive term during a postgame speech after a recent loss to Xavier.

"On Feb. 27, after an emotionally tough loss on the road, I addressed our student-athletes and staff in the postgame locker room and used a terribly inappropriate analogy in making a point about staying together as a team despite the loss," McDermott tweeted.

"Specifically, I said: 'Guys, we got to stick together. We need both feet in. I need everybody to stay on the plantation. I can't have anybody leave the plantation.'

"I immediately recognized my egregious mistake and quickly addressed my use of such insensitive words with the team," McDermott added. "I have never used that analogy, and it is not indicative of who I am as a person or as a coach. I am deeply sorry."

Creighton also issued a statement Tuesday, saying that any disciplinary action against McDermott will remain confidential.

"While an apology is a start, and while we believe this was out of character for Coach McDermott, in no way does it diminish the fact that his remark was hurtful to many and has no place in the Creighton community," the school said.

McDermott, 56, has coached Creighton since 2010 and is the father of former Bluejays star Doug McDermott, who now plays for the Indiana Pacers.

Creighton is currently ranked No. 14 in the nation and sits second in the Big East going into Wednesday's clash with conference leader Villanova.

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