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Derek Mason on added pressure as black coach: ‘I don’t wear that cape’

HOOVER, Ala. – If Derek Mason thinks he’s on the hot seat, he won’t rule his race as a factor.

Speaking at SEC Media Days on Monday, the Vanderbilt coach turned down the notion that his identity as a black man might create added pressure in his role as a head coach.

“You know what? I don’t wear that cape,” Mason said. “I really don’t. I think my ethnicity has nothing to do with my position. I think I’m intelligent enough to be a head coach, and I’ve proven over time that I can do the job.