Baylor refuses championship Jeep after dealer’s remark about ‘hood’

Baylor University and men’s basketball coach Scott Drew have released a statement refusing to accept a customized Jeep in honor of their NCAA championship after racial remarks by the auto dealer during a television appearance, The Associated Press reported.

While talking with local news station KWTX-TV, Waco auto dealer Ted Teague made a remark that Drew could enjoy this vehicle and “use it to recruit, pull some people out of the hood.”

The team did use the vehicle during their championship parade on Tuesday. It was then going to be given to Drew to drive on campus for a year, according to the report.

In a joint statement that was posted on the Baylor Athletics Twitter page, Drew along with athletic director Mark Rhoades shared that they spoke with Teague and declined the gifted Jeep from the auto dealer. 

“His remarks do not 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 statement read.

Teague issued a statement Wednesday apologizing for his remarks.

“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.”

Teague’s dealership has gifted Baylor with championship cars before. Teague provided customized Corvettes to women’s head coach Kim Mulkey when her team won NCAA championships in 2005, 2012 and 2019.