Punishment came down Monday for what is the early leader in the clubhouse for Dumbest Moment of the College Bowl Season (non-Mike Leach Division) when Colorado State announced it suspended assistant football coach Greg Lupfer for two weeks without pay after he was caught on camera mouthing a homophobic slur during Saturday’s New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque against Washington State.
Lupfer also is required to go through mandatory anger management and diversity training in the sanctions ordered by CSU athletic director Jack Graham.
Lupfer, the defensive line coach, was caught by TV cameras mouthing what appeared to be mouthing a slur at Washington State quarterback Connor Halliday. He had just thrown the first of a record six touchdown passes after a rollout near the CSU bench.
In a statement released by the school, Lupfer said, “I accept these consequences — two weeks without pay and the training programs — and I am thankful for this second chance to continue coaching at Colorado State and be a part of the Ram family.
“I am deeply sorry for my behavior, which does not represent who I am or my values. I embrace the opportunity to participate in anger management and diversity sensitivity training. I was angry and careless with my words, and my words hurt many people. I sincerely apologize to the GLBTQ community for causing pain by using a slur without considering its meaning. I take ownership of my words and fully understand why people are very upset.”
After the game, Halliday told reporters that a coach grabbed him and said “some profane things to me.” Video showed another coach coming between Lupfer and Halliday, but the two did shout at each other.
Colorado State won the game 48-45 when they scored 18 points in the final three minutes, thanks in part to recovering two Cougars fumbles.
6 Comments
This apology sounds like the usual script written by a staff PR/attorney. It lacks any vestige of sincerity.
Wow, you can tell he’s insincere just by reading what he wrote? That’s amazing! Can you tell what I think about you by what I wrote?
Why, yes I can, Gary, I’m quite the psychic as well. But in this case, the words written give a couple of clues as to the gist of the message. First, the ‘apology’ sounds very much like a dozen others issued by athletes/politicians/business people who were caught screwing up. Same words, same content. Second, the words are very much like the carefully crafted words of a trained and educated professional, not an assistant jock trainer.
You see, some of us read for insight and don’t just swallow everything in print as gospel. Oh, you believe the Gospel? Never mind.
Why is it Lupfer just releases a statement thru the Athletic Department? He should be made to face the music and he should apologize to Halliday. Connor did nothing to deserve Lupfer’s reaction. I don’t get what the problem was there.
Schools always do this. It’s from PR 101. Be contrite, stick to message, don’t think for yourself. Always go through the school’s attorney.
It’s pap.
Heheheheheh…the bowl game that keeps on giving. What do you call it when another team’s clown Cougs it?