Ex-Baylor coach Art Briles admits to 'mistakes' in first statement since firing

On Thursday, Art Briles released his first statement since being fired by Baylor over sexual assault allegations against his program

For the first time since being fired by Baylor following the findings of an investigation into allegations of sexual assault by the Baylor football program, Art Briles has released a public statement.

Briles sent his message to KWTX-10 News in Waco, Texas, in which he expresses sympathy to the victims of abuse and notes that he made mistakes, but also says he still cannot speak fully on the matter due to contractual obligations.

The full statement reads:

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 notes that he hopes to be able to speak on the matter soon, but that he has still yet to see the full report -- Baylor has released the finding of facts publicly, but not the report.

Since the report was filed and the finding of facts was released a week ago, Briles has been let go, athletic director Ian McCaw, former president and chancellor Ken Starr resigned and Jim Grobe was hired as the acting football coach.

Art Briles broke his silence on Thursday. USATSI