Bruce Pearl Apologizes for 'Hood' Joke

Tennessee basketball coach Bruce Pearl has apologized for telling a joke in which he contrasted some members of his team as being from "the hood" and others from parts of Tennessee "where they wear the hood."

Speaking at a charity event Thursday morning, Pearl said, "I've got guys from Chicago, Detroit -- I'm talking about the 'hood! And I've got guys from Grainger County, where they wear the hood.'' On Thursday evening he issued this apology:

"This morning while speaking at a private kick-off event for a great organization that benefits many local charities, I made a statement in jest to describe the diverse group our staff recruits year-in and year-out, " Pearl said.

"Unfortunately while I was trying to excite the crowd and encourage employees to give, I made an inappropriate joke. I certainly did not intend to offend anyone and I apologize to everyone, especially the people of Grainger County.

"In no way am I trying to justify what I said, but I'm disappointed that the focus has been placed on me rather than the charities I was there to help. My only hope is that the visibility of this mistake will encourage those who can to give to those in need during these difficult times.''

Although Pearl obviously chose his words poorly in telling the joke, I think he can be given a pass here. He was actually trying to celebrate the diversity of his team, and the fact that he quickly apologized should prevent this bad joke from getting Pearl into too much hot water.