On Wednesday, former Baylor University head coach, Art Briles, released a statement to deny any foul play on his part in regards to over 50 acts of rapes, connected to 31 football players, during his time at the university.
Last month, a Baylor University alum filed a suit against the school, saying that she had been raped by two football players four years prior. The suit also connects 31 football players to 52 acts of sexual assault, including five gang rapes over a four-year span. Also, the suit describes a “show ‘em a good time” policy implemented under Briles’ watch that “used sex to sell” the football program to potential players.
Since the accusations, Briles has released a statement in an effort to clear his name and reputation and deny any allegations against him concerning a cover-up.
“Let me be clear. I did not cover up sexual violence. I had no contact with anyone that claimed to be a victim of a sexual or domestic assault. Anyone well-versed in my work as a coach knowns that I strove to promote excellence but never at the sacrifice of safety for anyone. I did not obstruct justice on campus or off,” Briles wrote in a letter obtained by Phillip Ericksen of the Waco Tribune-Herald.
He said if he were approached about an alleged assault by one of his players on the team, he would have told them to call the police, reports state. Adding that he “never knowingly played anyone with sexual assault allegations against him,” but that he “could remain silent no longer” in regards to the allegations.
The former coach was released last May after reports of the sexual assaults surfaced.
