Art Briles Issues Statement Regarding Firing from Baylor

In the wake of his firing as Baylor's head football coach, Art Briles issued his first statement Thursday, expressing regret and a desire to tell his side of the story eventually.

Here is the statement, first sent to Julie Hays of KWTX News 10:

"

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

"

Baylor fired Briles last week amid a sexual assault scandal that allegedly involved multiple football players.

According to Dan Wolken of USA Today, law firm Pepper Hamilton determined Baylor "failed to take appropriate action to respond to reports of sexual assault and dating violence reportedly committed by football players. The choices made by football staff and athletics leadership, in some instances, posed a risk to campus safety and the integrity of the University."

Along with Briles' firing, Kenneth Starr announced his decision to resign as Baylor's chancellor. The school named former Wake Forest head coach Jim Grobe as the Bears' interim head coach.

The 60-year-old Briles served as Baylor's head coach from 2008 through 2015 after five seasons at Houston. He went 65-37 with the Bears, including a 32-7 mark over the past three campaigns.

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