Baylor coach Art Briles released his first public statement since being ousted from the position last week amid the school’s handling of sexual assault allegations, admitting he “certainly made mistakes” and should “have done things differently.”
Briles also said he is “contractually obligated to remain silent on the matter” and had not yet read the Pepper Hamilton report, which showed the school and athletic department had not responded appropriately to multiple sexual assault accusations, involving several football players.
“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,” Briles said. “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.”
Briles, who began coaching at Baylor in 2008 and was suspended with the school’s intent to fire him last week, released the statement following the resignations of athletic director Ian McCaw and school president Ken Starr.
“My heart goes out to the victims for the pain that they have endured,” Briles said. “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.”