Andrew Harrison apologizes for uttering slur, obscenity during press conference
Andrew Harrison of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts in the post game press conference after being defeated by the Wisconsin Badgers during the NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 4, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Credit: Getty Images / Joe Robbins
Kentucky guard Andrew Harrison apologized Sunday for directing an obscenity and a racial slur at Wisconsin's Frank Kaminsky during a postgame news conference at the Final Four.
Harrison muttered "F--- that n----" into a live microphone when another player was asked a question about Kaminsky after Kentucky lost 71-64 to the Badgers Saturday. The loss ruined the Wildcats' undefeated season; they finished 38-1.
The sophomore's comment came as a reporter asked Kentucky's Karl-Anthony Towns about defending the 7-foot Kaminsky. He muttered it with his hand in front of his mouth, but the mic picked up the comments.
Social media immediately lit up with tweets about what Harrison said along with video clips, and the program looked into the matter.
Harrison said in a series of comments on Twitter that he wanted to apologize "for my poor choice of words used in jest towards a player I respect and know."
"When I realized how this could be perceived I immediately called big frank to apologize and let him know I didn't mean any disrespect," he added.
He said the two of them had a "good conversation" and he wished him good luck in Monday's championship game.
Harrison had 13 points and four assists in the loss. Harrison and his twin brother, Aaron, have been projected as NBA draft picks but didn't discuss their futures after the loss.
