WACO, Texas (KWTX) – Baylor University Head Football Coach Dave Aranda apologized Wednesday for comments he made at the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) convention on July 21.
Last week, a clip circulated online of Aranda comparing the difficulties of recruiting in the NIL era to a scene from the 2013 film ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’.
In that clip, which was pulled from Aranda’s press conference at the THSCA conference, Aranda used a term to describe people with dwarfism. He used the term several times, in fact.
Aranda apologized with an opening statement at his press conference after Baylor’s first practice of fall camp.
“Last time I spoke I had a misstep and hurt a bunch of people,” said Aranda.
“So, you know, I apologize for that. That’s not what I intended to get across. So, I’m sorry for that.”
Earlier this week, the advocacy campaign ‘Mascots Matter’ sent an email to Baylor President Linda Livingstone demanding a public apology from Aranda stating in a press release in part:
“…when a public figure like Coach Aranda uses language that dehumanizes individuals with dwarfism, it has lasting consequences. This is concerning because such comments coming from a leader in the sports community, whose influence does extend to young athletes and fans, further stigmatizes people with disabilities.”
After his apology Aranda answered questions about the start of fall camp.
PDF: Full statement from Mascots Matter
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