Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre has formally issued a statement regarding the domestic abuse allegations, and subsequent "resignation", of former safeties coach Joe Tumpkin.

In short, MacIntyre writes that he takes domestic issues seriously. The statement comes out a week after a lengthy Sports Illustrated report indicated Colorado took roughly a month to take action against Tumpkin, who was eventually hit with felony assault charges.

"Upon hearing the allegations by Joe Tumpkin's girlfriend, my initial reaction and foremost concern was for her safety," MacIntyre said. "I reiterated that to her several times and confirmed that she was in fact, safe.

"In the same conversation, I was clear in communicating to her my obligation as a university employee to notify my superior, which is exactly what I did. I can say I did everything necessary to ensure this individual's statements were relayed immediately."

Tumpkin's resignation late January came amid allegations of domestic violence made by his ex-girlfriend. Colorado said that Tumpkin, who acted as the Buffaloes' defensive coordinator for the Alamo Bowl vs. Oklahoma State with the departure of Jim Leavitt, had been suspended and placed on administrative leave since Jan. 6.

However, Tumpkin's ex-girlfriend told SI that she first informed MacIntyre of her situation in December shortly after MacIntyre was named the Home Depot Coach of the Year. The alleged victim reportedly told MacIntyre of the abuse she had suffered at the hands Tumpkin, and noted he "choked me, threw me up against the walls, and bit me in the face." She told SI that she had experienced "approximately 80 episodes of abuse" during their relationships.

According to the alleged victim, MacIntyre was supportive during their call, but notably unavailable in the following weeks when she reached out to him on multiple occasions. The Denver Post adds a restraining order request was filed on Dec. 20.

MacIntyre's statement continued...

There were two separate conversations. The first was her report to me of the abuse. In the second conversation, I communicated to her that I reported it.

Tumpkin was made the play caller for the bowl game because, at the time of the decision, there was no police report or legal complaint. This decision was approved by my superiors.

I want to be clear, I unequivocally endorse the chancellor's plans for improving CU's policies and practices in dealing with matters of domestic violence and pledge that I and the entire football coaching staff will work to carry out our obligations under university policy.

Last week, Colorado chancellor Philip DiStefano issued a statement saying "I want to apologize to the victim in this case, as well as to her son. She should have received an immediate response from the university pertaining to the actions we might take as well as expressing concern for her safety and any support she needed to deal with repercussions of the trauma she suffered."