Texas Tech University has suspended men’s basketball head coach Mark Adams after he made a “racially insensitive” comment using a Bible verse about slaves and masters during a coaching session.
The incident was brought to the attention of athletic director Kirby Hocutt on March 3, and the university released a statement on Sunday announcing Adams’ suspension. The statement explained that Adams referenced a Bible verse about workers, teachers, parents and slaves serving their masters while encouraging a team member to be more receptive to coaching. Texas Tech called the comment “inappropriate, unacceptable and racially insensitive.”
Adams, who was named head coach in 2021, immediately addressed the team after the incident was brought to his attention. Stadium basketball analyst Jeff Goodman reports Adams denied that his comments were racist.
“I was quoting the scripture,” Adams said. “It was a private conversation about coaching and when you have a job, and being coachable.”
According to Goodman, Adams said that “Jesus talks about how we all have bosses, and we all are servants.” Adams did not clarify which Bible verse he specifically quoted.
While Adams’ suspension is effective immediately, it is unclear when he will return to his position. Texas Tech has not provided a timeline for his reinstatement, but the university shared they would be conducting “a more thorough inquiry of Adams’ interactions with his players and staff.”
The suspension comes just before Texas Tech’s game against West Virginia in the first round of the Big 12 tournament on March 7.
