University of Hawaii Coach Suspended for Homophobic Remark

Strategic Insights -

University of Hawaii head football coach Greg McMackin has been suspended for 30 days without pay after making a homophobic slur about a dance performed by the Notre Dame football team. McMackin will continue to coach as a volunteer at the university's request. In addition to the unpaid suspension, McMackin will take a voluntary salary reduction, mirroring that of UH Manoa Athletics Director Jim Donovan. McMackin's mistake sparked an apology and a commitment to work with the university's LGBT community to promote awareness and respect.

Key Takeaways:

  • Coach Greg McMackin will be suspended for 30 days without pay for making a homophobic slur about a Notre Dame dance.
  • McMackin will continue to coach as a volunteer, but will not receive a salary during his suspension.
  • He will also take a voluntary salary reduction, matching that of UH Manoa Athletics Director Jim Donovan.
  • As part of his disciplinary action, McMackin will work with the LGBT community to create a public service announcement, present at student orientations, and support awareness training for the athletics program.
  • A portion of McMackin's reduced salary will fund a student intern to conduct campus-wide workshops on awareness training.
  • The UH will take no further action against McMackin, but there is a possibility of further disciplinary action from the Western Athletic Conference.
  • McMackin has apologized for his remarks and expressed a desire to use his mistake as a learning experience.

Statistics:

  • 30 days: length of McMackin's unpaid suspension
  • 100%: reduction in McMackin's salary for the duration of his suspension
  • 1: number of student intern funded by McMackin's salary reduction
  • 1 month: time frame before the University of Hawaii opens its fall football camp on August 6
  • September 4: date of their first game against Central Arkansas

Sources:

  • Ka Leo O Hawaii via UWire, August 3, 2009
  • COMTEX, August 3, 2009