Baylor University head football coach Dave Aranda issued a public apology after repeatedly using the word “midgets” during a press conference. The term, widely considered derogatory, was used while Aranda referenced a scene from The Wolf of Wall Street to illustrate the modern college football recruiting landscape under NIL and transfer portal changes.
The scene involves dwarf actors being thrown as part of a stunt, which Aranda used as an analogy to describe how players are being “thrown around” for entertainment and profit. His attempt at humor quickly drew criticism from advocacy groups and members of the public for its ableist language and insensitive comparison.
During a follow-up interview, Aranda acknowledged the offense caused and stated, “I had a misstep and hurt a bunch of people. That was not what I intended … so I’m sorry for that.” Baylor University removed the video of the press conference from its official platforms.
\Advocacy organizations including Little People of America and Mascots Matter condemned the remarks. They emphasized the importance of language in shaping public perceptions and urged public figures to exercise greater care and respect when speaking about vulnerable communities. Critics called for broader education on inclusive language and sensitivity training within athletic departments.
This incident places added scrutiny on Baylor University’s leadership and cultural standards. While the apology may quell immediate backlash, it highlights ongoing tensions around speech, representation, and accountability in high-profile collegiate athletics.
