Duke's Nolan Smith wants Creighton coach Greg McDermott held 'accountable' for racially insensitive remarks
DURHAM, N.C. — The apology issued by Creighton men's basketball coach Greg McDermott for urging his players to "stay on the plantation" during a postgame speech last week has not been widely accepted, including by Duke's director of operations and player development Nolan Smith.
Smith, who is Black, tweeted Wednesday, that to "use the word plantation today is bizarre" and that McDermott should be held accountable for his words.
The word "plantation" carries racist overtones for its connotations of slavery and repression.
Smith's tweet continued: ".. If a NBA owner or Coach used the word plantation.. what would happen? Who is going to hold @cucoachmac accountable? I saw his “Im sorry” no sir.. I feel bad for those players that were in that locker room."
That includes former Duke reserve Alex O'Connell, who transferred to Creighton before the season.
Smith, who joined Duke's coaching staff in 2016 as a special assistant, said on Twitter that he had reached out and spoken to O'Connell.
In an apology on social media on Tuesday, McDermott, who is white, tweeted that, "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.' "
On Creighton's pregame show Wednesday, McDermott said he offered to resign.
In August 2020, Smith led an on-campus demonstration that brought together hundreds of Blue Devils student-athletes, staff and coaches in support of Black Lives Matter.
Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski was asked Thursday about McDermott's comment and said while he did not know the situation "in-depth" that "obviously the remarks are not appropriate. No one would say they are appropriate."
In a statement, Creighton said McDermott used "deplorable language that is inconsistent with the university's values and commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment."
The school said any disciplinary action would remain confidential.
Follow David Thompson on Twitter at @daveth89.