Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY Sports
Last week, Baylor University announced that it would be firing its head football coach Art Briles after a private investigation revealed multiple sexual assaults committed by football players allegedly. Former linebacker Tevin Elliott was convicted of two counts of sexual assault and is serving a 20-year sentence. The investigation, conducted by law firm Pepper Hamilton, detailed the alleged involvement of the coaching staff.
"The football program & Athletics dept leadership failed to take appropriate action in response to these reports." pic.twitter.com/AM0QYmOC5W
— Yahoo Sports College Football (@YahooSportsCFB) May 26, 2016
Briles had remained silent since the news broke about the findings in the investigation, however, he spoke out today admitting that he has not read the report. He wrote in a letter to Baylor Nation,
Baylor Nation,
My heart goes out to the victims for the pain that they have endured. Sexual assault has no place on our campus or in our society. As a father of two daughters, a grandfather, and a husband, my prayers are with the victims of this type of abuse, wherever they are. After 38 years of coaching, I have certainly made mistakes and, in hindsight, I would have done certain things differently. I always strive to be a better coach, a better father and husband, and a better person.
Keep in mind, the complete scope of what happened here has not been disclosed and unfortunately at this time I am contractually obligated to remain silent on the matter. The report prepared by Pepper Hamilton, the law firm hired and paid for by Baylor’s Board of Regents, has not been shared with me directly, despite my full cooperation with the investigation. I can only assume that the report, which is not independent, supports the conclusions that the Board has already drawn. I hope to share with you what I was aware of as soon as I can so Baylor Nation can begin the healing process.
I have the utmost admiration for Baylor University, its community, and its important mission. I am truly grateful for having had the chance to coach hundreds of young student athletes at this University. I am deeply humbled for having had the opportunity to be a part of Baylor Nation.
Coach Art Briles
Briles was not the only one to lose his job. Shortly after the release of the investigation’s findings, school president Ken Starr and athletic director Ian McCaw stepped down as well as other members of the football staff being fired. The school named Jim Grobe as the new head football coach earlier this week. The school has yet to receive punishment from the NCAA, but it should be fairly similar to that of PennState.
