Texas Tech has suspended men’s basketball coach Mark Adams after he made a comment about “slaves serving their masters” to a player on the team, the school announced.
Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt announced the incident Friday, which the school said happened during a coaching session.
Adams, 66, coached Texas Tech in Saturday’s loss to Oklahoma State.
The school called the comment “inappropriate, unacceptable and racially insensitive.”
Texas Tech basketball coach Mark Adams practices against Oklahoma State on March 4, 2023.AP
“Adams was encouraging the student-athlete to train and prepare reference Bible verses about employees, teachers, parents and slaves serving their superiors. Adams immediately addressed the team and apologized,” Texas Tech’s statement said.
“Upon learning of the incident, Hocutt addressed this issue with Adams and issued him a written reprimand. Hocutt made the decision to suspend Adams effective immediately pending a more thorough investigation into Adams’ interactions with his players and staff.”
Adams is in his second season as the head coach at Texas Tech.
Mark Adams has been suspended by Texas Tech.USA TODAY Sports
He was the team’s assistant coach for five seasons before taking over in 2021 when Chris Beard left for Texas.
After reaching the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament last year, the Red Raiders are 16-15 in the Big 12 this season and 5-13, finishing ninth in the conference.
Texas Tech will play West Virginia in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament on Wednesday.
Last April, Adams signed a five-year, $15.5 million contract extension with Texas Tech through the 2026-27 season, according to multiple reports.