Kentucky guard Andrew Harrison on Sunday morning apologized for calling a Wisconsin player what appeared to be a racial slur during a press conference following the team’s devastating loss in the NCAA Final Four.
“First i want to apologize for my poor choice of words used in jest towards a player I respect and know,” Harrison said in the first of three apology tweets Sunday morning.
He added that he spoke with the player to apologize for “any disrespect.”
During a press conference Saturday night after Kentucky’s winning streak was busted after soaring for 38 games undefeated, Harrison appeared to show little sportsmanship.
After a reporter asked another Wildcat to discuss what it’s like to defend Wisconsin’s power forward Frank Kaminsky, Harrison mumbled under his breath what seemed to be profanity and racial slur aimed at the senior Badgers’ player. The live microphone picked up enough for social media to quickly begin to call the player out.
First i want to apologize for my poor choice of words used in jest towards a player I respect and know.
— Andrew Harrison (@DrewRoc5) April 5, 2015When I realized how this could be perceived I immediately called big frank to apologize and let him know I didn't mean any disrespect
— Andrew Harrison (@DrewRoc5) April 5, 2015We had a good conversation and I wished him good luck in the championship game Monday.
— Andrew Harrison (@DrewRoc5) April 5, 2015A spokesman for the Kentucky team has not yet released a comment.
The Wildcats lost the game 71-64; Wisconsin will face off against Duke in the championship game Monday.
Anna Brand