Trending

Baylor men’s basketball champs refuse Jeep from car dealer after manager’s ‘hood’ comment

WACO, Texas — Baylor University men’s basketball coach Scott Drew refused to accept a Jeep adorned in the school’s national championship logo after an insensitive remark by the dealership’s general manager.

>> Read more trending news

The comment made by Ted Teague, the general manager of Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, suggested that Drew use the customized Jeep Wrangler “to pull some people out of the hood.”

Teague made the comment during a live television interview during Baylor’s victory parade on Tuesday, KWTX reported. The Jeep was driven during the team’s championship parade in downtown Waco and then was going to be given to Drew to use for the next year, the television station reported.

“We have spoken with Ted Teague regarding the comments made last night,” Drew and Athletic Director Mack Rhoades said in a statement on Wednesday. “His remarks don’t 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 customized Jeep Wrangler was driven in the team’s championship parade through downtown Waco on Tuesday night, and was then going to be given to the school for Drew to use for the next year.

The dealership has a standing policy in which it grants one-year use of a car to either the men’s or women’s teams after they win a national championship, according to The Sporting News. The dealership granted use of a Corvette to Lady Bears coach Kim Mulkey after her teams’ titles in 2005, 2012 and 2019, the magazine reported.

The interview was conducted by KWTX and was shared on the Baylor subreddit. Teague can be seen reacting to his gaffe during his interview.

Teague apologized on Wednesday, saying in a statement that he misspoke.

“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.”