Ken Starr: "I Have Great Confidence To This Day In Coach Briles"

Deposed Baylor president Ken Starr gave an interview at the Texas Tribune Festival. Judging from the quotes he was a bit more coherent than in media appearances during the immediate aftermath.

Starr argued the media has created a “meta-narrative” distinct from reality. He does not believe Baylor had an “endemic” problem. He also expressed unequivocal support for Art Briles.

"“I have great confidence — to this day — in Coach Briles,” Starr said. “If there was a question of integrity, you fire the person for cause. Art Briles was not fired for cause.”"

Starr also blamed sexual assaults on the alcohol and party culture.

"“My encouragement to students is don’t go to these off-campus parties,” he said."

Starr did call for Baylor to release more information from the school’s independent investigation, which is something everyone can get behind. Baylor bought out Briles, rather than firing him with cause. The lingering questions left by Baylor’s scant public disclosures won’t help him clear his name.

Football-wise Briles would be a no-brainer for any program. Rick Neuheisel predicted he will end up at Auburn. Though, any school hiring him would be facing an incredibly uphill PR battle, far more than Bobby Petrino.