Statements Released By Baylor President, Regents Chairman
Baylor University President Robert B. Sloan Jr. and Board of Regents Chairman Drayton McLane Jr. released the following statements to the media today, concerning the latest developments in the men's basketball program.
Statement from Baylor President Robert B. Sloan Jr. On Bliss Revelations
"Yesterday's revelations of a taped meeting involving Dave Bliss are a sobering and disturbing development in an already tragic story. Dave Bliss' attempts to conceal from investigators the truth about improprieties in our men's basketball program represent a profound betrayal of the trust that Baylor University and our players placed in him. I am outraged not only by his own deception, but his efforts to enlist players and assistant coaches in this scheme.
"This further validates the work of our investigative attorneys, who in less than three weeks uncovered major violations, resulting in the resignation of Coach Bliss on Aug. 8. The attempted cover-up failed and the investigation continues. Do we have all of our questions answered? No. But our investigative committee will continue to aggressively pursue the truth until we are satisfied that a thorough and credible examination of our men's basketball program has been completed. We are committed to restoring trust and integrity in our basketball program and look forward to competing this fall in a manner that is consistent with the values of this University.
"While we have not been perfect, Baylor has historically held to the highest standards of integrity and honesty in all of its enterprises, including athletics. When we determine that those standards have not be upheld, we face the consequences, take corrective action and remain committed to the principles on which this institution was founded over 150 years ago.
"Baylor is a strong, resilient institution with committed alumni, faculty, staff, students and regents. We will emerge from this ordeal wiser, stronger and with a continuing resolve to compete with integrity in Division I athletics."
Statement from Drayton McLane Jr., Chairman, Baylor University Board of Regents
"The Baylor Board of Regents and all of the Baylor family feel a huge sense of betrayal and anger about the actions taken by the former men's basketball coach. This summer the university has characterized the series of events in the men's basketball program as unimaginable and unbelievable.
"I have had discussions this morning with regents, alumni, our leadership team and our legal team. I can tell you that in addition to anger, they are crushed, disappointed and absolutely perplexed regarding these new revelations.
"The most common question to me and to Dr. Sloan has been: Is this the end?
"In fact, I have to tell you that early Friday afternoon Dr. Sloan and I spoke and we said this Friday certainly seemed to be a better day than last Friday. That was before we learned about these new developments.
"Is this the end of stunning revelations? I hope so. I don't know.
"All I can tell you is that the investigative committee and the University's leadership are resolute that we will get the answers, and we won't rest until we do.
"We appreciate your support, and most of all, we appreciate your prayers."