Jim Boeheim Apologizes: "I Am Really Sorry That I Did That . . . It Was Insensitive"

He spoke earlier this week and I think hit some points, but was also bowed his back a little. Tonight, he hit the contrite tones fully:

"I believe I misspoke very badly in my response to the allegations that have been made. I shouldn’t have questioned what the accusers expressed or their motives. I am really sorry that I did that, and I regret any harm that I caused. It was insensitive for the individuals involved and especially to the overall issue of child abuse."

Boeheim also said that he spent time at the McMahon Ryan House for child abusein Syracuse, and will become more involved to raise awareness of child abuse issues.

Earlier this week, there were several writers calling for his firing or resignation, and victims advocacy also called for it. I came out and said I did not think he should be fired, but I thought he should be censured and suspended for his comments. I thought such action would differentiate between an insensitive mistake, and broader knowledge of a situation like what happened at Penn State.

My other rationale was that a firing–exacting retribution–does nothing to advance the ball. I felt that Boeheim could become a more powerful advocate learning from his mistake. “And he can speak new words that empower victims. Those can be more powerful and helpful to addressing the problem of sexual abuse, fear, and taboo, then just getting our next pound of flesh . . .”

If Boeheim really did learn things this week, threw himself into educating himself with the local abuse center, and as a result came forward to apologize and say he will become an advocate, that’s the best result possible. If he does so without suspension, well, then maybe I’m even fine with that despite my earlier post.

I would rather have Jim Boeheim as an ally than as a disgraced legend for some words that he can now apologize for, and make better by future words and actions that help victims of child abuse.

[photo via Getty]