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February 16, 2001
Doherty, whose team is ranked No. 1 in the nation and is in the midst of an 18-game winning streak, played at North Carolina in the early 1980s and returned this year to coach the Tar Heels. During the Heels' 85-83 win at archrival Duke on Feb. 1, Doherty made a comment about the Duke cheerleaders, saying they are still the "ugliest in the ACC." The comment, made to the team in the huddle, became public through a post on an Internet message board. ESPN.com picked up the quote off the message board and used it in a long story on Doherty and the Tar Heels' surprising season. Doherty has since contacted Duke cheerleaders coach Teresa Ward, discussed the issue and apologized for making the remark. He also wrote a letter of apology to the Duke cheerleaders. "It was intended to be in the privacy of the huddle, and it got out on the Internet," Doherty said Thursday night. "I said it at a tense time in a tight game to alleviate any tension there might be, but I do apologize for it. I wrote a letter of apology to the cheerleaders coach and copied it to [Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski]." The Duke Basketball Report, a Web site that fanatically supports the Blue Devils, posted a link about Doherty's apology on Thursday. "While we didn't like the comment, it's not worth making a big fuss over," the site said. "But it is nice that he apologized; and while we don't see it as a major issue, we would like to pass it along." Student
Quotes
"We've been looking at building up positive reinforcement of our team and trying to cut down on all the negative things we say about other teams, and I think that's what other teams in the ACC need to work on as well," says Duke student Erin Harper. "It doesn't really matter what they say, we have our own cheers and chants, and we rip into them pretty good so it doesn't matter," says Duke student Dan Kravitz. UNC students do not believe the remark should reflect poorly on the coach. "He's going to do whatever it takes to win. If it means being a poor sport, sometimes he's going to do it. But he's a great coach and we won the game, so I guess that proves it all," says UNC student Ali Mehrizi. "Maybe he shouldn't have said it, I don't know. I don't really have an opinion, but I'm not going to think any less of the man," says UNC student Sohair Ahmadi. Personally, I don't see a problem with his comment. Sure, it was said in the heat of battle. Yes, it was meant to be a private comment within the team. The funny thing is that it's oh, so true! :) But it's a subconscious thought when it comes to the legendary rivalry between Carolina and Dook. His strategy worked. The Heels were relaxed in a heated environment. And we won! By the way, how 'bout them Wahoos? UVA 91 - Puke 89 .... Ya gotta luv it! Go Heels! And keep up the good work Matt. Whatever it takes! No apology necessary! the Ram Man |
Matt
Doherty