Wake Forest's apology to Tennessee highlights an ironic moment between the two college baseball programs

“I am both surprised and deeply disappointed in our head baseball coach Tom Walter for his outburst during last night’s baseball game,” said Currie in the statement. “I feel badly for those most hurt by such words. I spoke with Coach Walter immediately after the game and again this morning to address the incident, which is completely out of character for him and does not meet the standards of Wake Forest Athletics, Wake Forest University or the Atlantic Coast Conference.”

“I am very sorry for my outburst in frustration last night and I recognize the hurt and disappointment it has caused,” said Walter in the same statement. “I have seen the videos and while I do not remember the specific moment clearly, that language doesn’t reflect my values or the standards of this program. Regardless, I own the consequences and I apologize to the University of Tennessee, to Wake Forest University, and the ACC and SEC.”

The situation highlights an ironic moment that likely wasn't lost on Tennessee fans this past weekend. 

Currie previously served as the athletic director at Tennessee. He was famously fired in late 2017 after a botched football coaching search that included the near-hire of Greg Schiano, a fan revolt, and, finally, Currie going rogue and almost hiring Mike Leach (those are just the highlights lowlights of the search).

It’s safe to say Vols fans don’t have fond memories of Currie’s time at Tennessee.

Currie's time at Tennessee, however, wasn't completely fruitless. His best moment came earlier in 2017 when he hired a relatively unknown coach named Tony Vitello to lead the Tennessee baseball program. 

Vitello, of course, has turned Tennessee into arguably the best baseball program in the nation, making multiple trips to Omaha for the College World Series and bringing home a national championship in 2024. 

There's certainly some irony, which I'm sure Vols fans will enjoy, in Currie having to issue an apology to Vitello, Tennessee, and the UT fan base.