NCAA Basketball's 2021 March Madness winner Baylor University made waves with a recent decision to turn down an honorary, customized Jeep Wrangler from a local auto dealer after the dealership's general manager made a racist remark during a TV interview.
Associated Pressreported the Jeep—decked out with the school's national championship logo—was given to the team by Allen Samuels dealership in Waco, Texas where a celebratory parade was held last Tuesday evening.
The Jeep was driven by the team for the parade and was to be given to the school for use in upcoming years.
But Baylor and coach Scott Drew rejected the vehicle after Allen Samuels' General Manager Ted Teague touted the Jeep's potential in a recent television appearance. Specifically, he said the team could "use it to recruit, pull some people out of the hood."
Teague's sudden facial expression change showed even he knew he'd screwed up.
Teague apologized on Wednesday for the comment, penning an official apology:
"As the word came out of my mouth, I instantly knew it was the absolute wrong word."
"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."
Baylor Basketball coach Scott Drew, as well as Baylor University Athletic Director Mack Rhoades, also put out a joint statement explaining the team's decision not to accept the Jeep.
Plenty of people were thrilled to see Baylor University be anti-racism.
The fate of the customized Jeep Wrangler was not released.
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