Oklahoma baseball coach Larry Cochell resigns after using a racial slur

wilheim · May 2, 2005

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) - Longtime Oklahoma baseball coach Larry Cochell resigned Sunday, five days after using a racial slur during off-camera interviews with ESPN.

Cochell submitted a letter of resignation to school president David Boren, who had met hours earlier with athletic director Joe Castiglione and members of the university's black community.

"A good and caring man has made a terrible mistake for which he must assume responsibility," Boren said in a statement.

ESPN said Friday that Cochell, who is white, used a slur after praising a freshman outfielder, who is black, during two pre-broadcast interviews Tuesday.

Assistant coach Sunny Golloway was named interim coach.

Cochell, who had been head coach since 1991 and led the Sooners to the College World Series title in 1994, apologized Friday and in his resignation letter. "As I have said in a public statement, I deeply regret that I carelessly used language that is clearly contrary to the basic values of our university," Cochell said in the letter released by the school. "Those words also created an impression contrary to my own personal values and my respect for all people. ... I do not want to be the cause of any person having a mistaken impression about our university."

Associated Press

Jarbo · May 2, 2005

What exactly did he say?

chalkeater · May 2, 2005

He said "there's no ni$$er in him." I understand what he is trying to say, but you just don't say that in public, on camera, or if you are being mic'ed.

CK

one9 · May 2, 2005

I believe he dropped an N-bomb.

TTinCO · May 2, 2005

chalk_eater said:
He said "there's no ni$$er in him." I understand what he is trying to say, but you just don't say that in public, on camera, or if you are being mic'ed.

CK

Nope, can't get away with that comment in today's society.....No-can-do.

That will get you the door pretty much anywhere.

winkyduck · May 2, 2005

Led us (Fullerton) to Omaha in 1988 (i believe) when we got within 1 game of playing for the (then one game) Championship

hate to see a long and distinguished career come to an end like this, but it is something that had to happen

volhound · May 2, 2005

he was talking about what a great guy the kid was and then finished it with that.

Nowadays it is unacceptable in any company IMO

However, a private conversation should be just that - private. The speech police (espn) and political correctness experts (the rest of the media) have no place judging anyone/everyone for every little flaw in their speech or character - we all have them, so why should it cost a man his job and reputation - now the guy has resigned and he and his family discraced for an off the cuff remark in a private conversation while giving a compliment.
Every one of us could be crucified for mistakes in conversation or actions we have made - but most of us aren't famous or high profile.
To me - the media should use some discretion - see JFK, FDR