Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott made controversial comments about 9/11 as a motivational tool during a 2019 team meeting.
McDermott has publicly apologized for his comments and expressed regret.
The incident was reported as part of a three-part series by journalist Tyler Dunne.
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott has publicly apologized for controversial comments he made during a team meeting in 2019. The comments, which referenced the 9/11 terrorist attacks, were intended as a motivational tool to highlight effective strategizing and execution. However, McDermott acknowledged that his choice of analogy was inappropriate and has since expressed regret.
The incident came to light as part of a three-part series about McDermott by journalist Tyler Dunne. The series was based on interviews with 25 unnamed former coaches, players, executives, and other sources. McDermott's comments were also reported by CBS Sports and The Athletic.
During a press conference, McDermott clarified that his intention was to illustrate the importance of good team communication. He admitted that he did not communicate his point clearly and immediately apologized to the team. It was also revealed that McDermott had previously apologized to the team and that some players had supported his decision to do so.
Despite the controversy, the Bills organization stated that they were not aware of any sanctions against McDermott. McDermott, who recently signed a contract extension, has a successful coaching record but the Bills are currently 6-6 and at risk of missing the playoffs. McDermott has the third-most victories and the best winning percentage of any coach in franchise history, but is facing criticism for the team's lack of playoff success.
The article that brought this to light was based on interviews with 25 unnamed former coaches, players, executives, and other sources.
McDermott, who has the third-most victories and the best winning percentage of any coach in franchise history, is facing criticism for the team's lack of playoff success.
The comments were brought to light in a report from Go Long, which cited multiple sources.
He also mentioned that he had previously apologized to the team and that some players had supported his decision to do so.
The Bills organization stated that they were not aware of any sanctions against McDermott.
McDermott, who recently signed a contract extension, has a successful coaching record but the Bills are currently 6-6 and at risk of missing the playoffs.
