Connect with us

News

UMass Football Coach Suspended for Postgame ‘Rape’ Comment

Choose your words wisely.

University of Massachusetts officials announced on Sunday that football coach, Mark Whipple, will be suspended for his postgame comments this past Saturday.

After the Minutemen’s 16 point loss to Ohio, Whipple complained about the officiating of the game.  “I’ve been in the SEC, I’ve been in the NFL and I’ve never seen anything so bad: six holds against none until at the end,” Whipple stated. “…We had a chance there with 16 down and they rape us.”

Whipple later apologized in a statement released by the university.

“I am deeply sorry for the word I used on Saturday to describe a play in our game,” he said. “It is unacceptable to make use of the word ‘rape’ in the way I did and I am very sorry for doing so. It represents a lack of responsibility on my part as the leader of this program and a member of this university’s community, and I am disappointed with myself that I made this comparison when commenting after our game.”

Athletic Director, Ryan Bamford, announced on Sunday that Whipple would be suspended without pay from all team activities this week and also undergo mandated sensitivity training.

UMass football will have a bye week following this Saturday’s game against USF. Whipple will return to the sidelines as head coach after the break.

Ever wished you could start a career covering your favorite sport? Have you spent time wishing you could combine your love of sports with your passion for writing and reporting? CMN’s Sports Journalism course is an experiential learning program designed to give the practical experience you need to get your foot in the door in this ultra-competitive industry. You’ll get useful, direct feedback on your reporting, exposure to experienced sports journalists and influencers, and a great place to build your portfolio. You can get college credit, too. Get all the details on the CMN's Sports Journalism Course here.

[]
1 Step 1
keyboard_arrow_leftPrevious
Nextkeyboard_arrow_right