When you think of big games, the Gildan New Mexico Bowl doesn't exactly come to mind. But big headlines are coming out of the game, as Colorado State has suspended the football team's defensive line coach, Greg Lupfer, two weeks without pay for calling a player a "faggot."

The incident came just under three minutes into the game after Washington State quarterback Connor Halliday threw a touchdown pass to take a 6-0 lead. He threw the pass from near the Colorado State sideline and began jawing with Lupfer. It didn’t take an expert for people to read the coach’s lips.

Lupfer said in a statement:

I accept these consequences – two weeks without pay and the training programs – and I am thankful for this second chance to continue coaching at Colorado State and be a part of the Ram Family. I am deeply sorry for my behavior, which does not represent who I am or my values. I embrace the opportunity to participate in anger management and diversity sensitivity training. I was angry and careless with my words, and my words hurt many people. I sincerely apologize to the GLBTQ community for causing pain by using a slur without considering its meaning. I take ownership of my words and fully understand why people are very upset.

What are the chances he actually wrote GLBTQ himself?

The incident is reminiscent of Kobe Bryant getting caught on camera calling someone a "faggot." The NBA opted for only a monetary fine; It's great to see Colorado State address it with an actual suspension (even if the season is behind them) and training. If the training is done right, the entire CSU response can speak the language of the coach: Removing access to facilities and players and sitting down with people who can get to him.

At the Diversity & Inclusion Symposium hosted by the US Olympic Committee (in conjunction with the NFL, NCAA, PGA & NASCAR) in November, I sat next to a guy from the Colorado State athletic department. We had some great conversations about race and sexual orientation. I came away from those conversations believing their athletic program was committed to LGBT inclusion, so the actions by the school don't surprise me.

The Colorado State Rams staged a comeback win in the game, 48-45.

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