After Duke’s tough loss to Kansas, freshman Cooper Flagg took to social media to issue a heartfelt apology for his comments and attitude following the game. The highly touted prospect, who had been expected to make an immediate impact for the Blue Devils, faced criticism for his behavior during and after the 77-56 defeat. Flagg’s post-game remarks and body language did not sit well with fans, coaches, or his teammates, prompting him to reflect on his actions and take responsibility.
Flagg, who had been a focal point of Duke’s game plan, struggled to find his rhythm during the game. Although he showed flashes of his potential, his frustration became evident as the game progressed, especially in the second half when Duke’s efforts to stay competitive unraveled. In his apology, Flagg admitted that his emotions got the best of him and that his comments after the game were not representative of the standards he set for himself.
“After the game, I said things I deeply regret,” Flagg wrote in his statement. “I allowed my frustration to affect my attitude and the way I represented myself, my teammates, and our fans. I know I have a responsibility to act with composure and maturity, especially during tough moments like this, and I failed to do that. I want to apologize to everyone who supports Duke, to my coaches, and most importantly to my teammates for not handling myself better.”
The apology comes as part of Flagg’s growth as both a player and a person. Despite the pressure surrounding his high school pedigree and expectations as a freshman at Duke, Flagg is still adjusting to the demands of college basketball. In his message, he acknowledged that dealing with adversity is a key part of the learning process and promised to work on maintaining his composure moving forward.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer supported Flagg’s apology, praising the freshman for his accountability. “We talk a lot about handling adversity and learning from it,” Scheyer said in a follow-up statement. “Cooper is a young player with a lot of talent, but he is also learning how to grow as a person and a leader. I respect him for taking responsibility and we will continue to support him as he matures both on and off the court.”
The apology has been well received by many within the Duke program, with teammates rallying around Flagg as they prepare for their next challenge. Senior guard Jeremy Roach voiced his support for the freshman, saying, “Coop is a great player, and he’s learning what it takes to compete at this level. We’ve all been there. We’re a team, and we’ve got his back.”
As Duke moves forward, Flagg’s apology marks a critical moment in his development, showing that he is not only willing to own his mistakes but also committed to improving as he adjusts to the high expectations that come with playing for a program like Duke. Fans are hopeful that this moment of self-reflection will help Flagg grow both as a player and as a person.