Frank Kaminsky responds to Andrew Harrison's offensive remark
INDIANAPOLIS — Frank Kaminsky's response to the slur that Andrew Harrison directed his way on Saturday night was a succinct one.
"He reached out to me, we talked about it, we're over it," the Wisconsin senior said at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday afternoon. "Nothing more needs to be made of it."
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An open microphone recorded Harrison saying "f*** that n****" in the postgame press conference following the 71-64 Wisconsin victory that ended Kentucky's undefeated season and put the Badgers into Monday's national championship game against Duke. The remark came following a question about Kaminsky.
Harrison's slipup quickly made him a trending topic in the hours following Kentucky's first loss of the season. Both he and his twin brother Aaron also faced criticism for leaving the floor without shaking hands with the Wisconsin players.
Kaminsky later elaborated on the phone call from Harrison which he said the Kentucky player set up via text.
"I'm glad he reached out. He's a nice kid," Kaminsky said. "He said he really respects me and he really apologizes for what he said. I could tell he was sincere about it."
Harrison apologized for his remarks in a series of three tweets early Sunday morning:
"First I want to apologize for my poor choice of words used in jest towards a player I respect and know. When I realized how this could be perceived I immediately called Big Frank to apologize and let him know I didn't mean any disrespect. We had a good conversation and I wished him good luck in the championship game Monday."
Bonnie Bernstein of Campus Insiders talked to Kentucky coach John Calipari on Sunday morning and reported that Harrison will face no discipline for the remark.
"The biggest thing I want to tell you, these are great kids," Calipari said to Bernstein. "They'll do dumb things at times. They'll say dumb things, like we all do. Things you regret later and they apologize for it. These are young kids, they're 19 years old. In that moment of trying to make a historic thing, probably did some things. But I love these guys and I know what they're about."
Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan said the incident could be viewed as a teaching moment.
"It reminds us that whatever we say can and will be heard, it seems," Ryan said. "So, yeah, the teaching moment is the individual himself learned from it obviously by reaching out to Frank. We'll leave it at that."
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Kevin Kaduk is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at kevinkaduk@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
