Fired Baylor coach Art Briles: ‘I hope to share with you what I was aware of’

Deposed Baylor coach Art Briles made his first statement to the media on Thursday. The 2013 Big 12 Coach of the Year admitted he “made mistakes,” but also said he’s contractually obligated to refrain from specific comments related to his firing.

In his statement, Briles told the press he had not yet read the Pepper Hamilton report that uncovered several sexual assaults and an organization-wide lack of accountability that permeated through the Bears’ football program. Briles’ coaching staff met with sexual assault victims and failed to report those claims to authorities, Hamilton found.

While the full document may not have been shared with the coach directly, its findings of fact summary has been available online since May 26. Briles also said the Board of Regents-funded report is “not independent.”

Here’s the former coach’s full statement, as provided to News 10’s Julie Hays.

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