Fort Collins, Colo. – Colorado State has suspended defensive line coach Greg Lupfer two weeks without pay after directing a slur at Washington State quarterback Connor Halliday during the Dec. 21 New Mexico Bowl, the school announced Dec. 23.
According to the Denver Post, Lupfer will also undergo mandatory anger management and diversity training.
Lupfer released a prepared statement through the school:
“I accept these consequences, two weeks without pay and the training programs and I am thankful for this second chance to continue coaching at Colorado State and be a part of the Ram Family,” Lupfer said in a statement. “I am deeply sorry for my behavior, which does not represent who I am or my values. I embrace the opportunity to participate in anger management and diversity sensitivity training. I was angry and careless with my words, and my words hurt many people. I sincerely apologize to the GLBTQ community for causing pain by using a slur without considering its meaning. I take ownership of my words and fully understand why people are very upset.”
The incident occurred in the first quarter of the New Mexico Bowl, when Halliday threw a touchdown pass and appeared to say something in Lupfer’s direction. Lupfer responded with a by calling the quarterback a “faggot,” and it was caught on television cameras.
Lupfer also offered an apology in a statement issued through the football program’s Twitter account.
Colorado State came back from a 22-point deficit to win, 48-45, on a last-second field goal.
