FORT WORTH, Texas _ TCU football coach Gary Patterson issued a statement Tuesday, apologizing for repeating a racial slur while telling one of his players to stop using it.
Patterson repeated the N-word to linebacker Dylan Jordan on Sunday to emphasize his point that Jordan should not use the slur during team meetings.
"I met with our Seniors and Leadership Council last night about how we move forward as a team, together," Patterson posted on his Twitter handle. "We are committed as individuals and as a program to fighting racial injustice of any kind.
"I apologize for the use of a word that, in any context, is unacceptable. I have always encouraged our players to do better and be better and I must live by the same standards.
"Our players, past and present have always been the strength of our program. These men are and will always be my motivation and driving force."
TCU Chancellor Victor Boschini described the incident to the school's student media by saying "it was a teachable moment for him (Patterson) and many others."
The Big 12 is not expected to discipline or reprimand Patterson, calling it an "institutional matter." A source said Patterson is not expected to face internal discipline for the matter.
A number of current and former players have posted positive messages supporting Patterson, saying the incident had been taken out of context. The players also expressed an eagerness to move on and prepare for the season.
"(I don't care) what y'all think," tight end Pro Wells said in a social media post. "We (are going to) get through this and get back to work."
TCU has been in the midst of fall camp, preparing for the upcoming season. The Horned Frogs have yet to finalize a date to start their season with a home opener against a non-conference opponent. The Big 12 is going with a "plus-one" model in which teams will play nine conference games plus one home non-conference game.
