Baylor Coach Upholds University Values, Declines Gift of Jeep From Dealership
Baylor University Coach Scott Drew made headlines not only for the basketball team’s first national champion win, but for the faith-filled culture he promoted on and off the court. Upholding his own beliefs as well as the school’s values didn’t stop after the team traveled back home.
An interview in Waco, Texas, shows Ted Teague, general manager of the Allen Samuels Auto Group dealership, presenting Drew with a new Jeep Wrangler, as is the tradition for congratulating the team on a national championship win. Teague has presented women’s coach Kim Mulkey with custom cars in the past, and the same is being done for Drew.
However, a comment that Teague made next in the interview drove Drew to decline the gift.
Teague says Drew can enjoy the Wrangler wrapped in Baylor pride, and “he’ll use it to recruit, pull some people out of the hood.”
This insensitive remark moved Drew to release a statement Wednesday both declining the Jeep and affirming the university’s desire to make all students feel valued as part of its community.
A joint statement from Director of Athletics Mack Rhoades and Head Coach Scott Drew ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/kwcsX98TM4
— Baylor Athletics (@BaylorAthletics) April 14, 2021
“His remarks do not align with our institutional values or the culture of our athletic programs. We can confirm we are not accepting the Jeep driven in the parade on Tuesday. As a department, we are committed to recruiting a diverse group of student-athletes, coaches, and staff, all of whom are valued members of our community,” the statement read.
The dealership and Teague apologized, saying he was aware of his mistake, as referenced by his facial expression made in the interview, and regretted it immediately. “As the word came out of my mouth, I instantly knew it was the absolute wrong word,” Teague said in his statement. “I know that I disrespected a countless number of people within our amazing Waco community, and beyond. I am deeply disappointed and saddened by my actions and offer each of you my most sincere apologies.”
Drew also made his values clear in a recent NBA on TNT interview, “At the end of the day, how you impact young people means a lot more than what your record is. When we get to heaven, they’re not going to say how many championships you won. God’s going to ask you who you impacted.” {eoa}
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