Art Briles speaks publicly for first time since firing from Baylor

Former Baylor coach Art Briles has made public comments for the first time since his termination as head football coach last Thursday.

Briles sent a public statement to KWTX-10 News in Waco, admitting “mistakes.” He also said “contractual obligations” prevent him from speaking fully on the matter and that he has not seen the report done by the law firm Baylor hired, Pepper Hamilton.

Briles was fired as a result of findings from an investigation of Baylor’s handling of sexual assault reports.

Baylor has released Pepper Hamilton’s findings of fact, but not the full report.

Since the report was given to Baylor and the findings of fact released publicly last week, athletic director Ian McCaw resigned, former president and chancellor Ken Starr resigned and Briles was fired. Starr has kept his job as a law school professor.

Baylor hired former Wake Forest head coach Jim Grobe as interim head coach Monday.

The full statement from Briles is below:

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