Art Briles Gives Weak Apology For Actions At Baylor In ESPN Interview

Art Briles is finally ready to apologize for his egregious actions while the head coach at Baylor. In an interview with ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi that is set to air on GameDay, Briles admitted to making mistakes while the head coach of Baylor’s football program. It’s worth pointing out that just a few weeks ago the 60-year-old was claiming he hadn’t done anything wrong.

Briles told Rinaldl the following:

“I made mistakes. I did wrong, but I’m not doing this trying to make myself feel better for apologizing. I understand I made some mistakes. There was some bad things that went on under my watch. I was the captain of this ship. The captain of the ship goes down with it.

“So, I understand that I made some mistakes, and for that I’m sorry. But I’m not trying to plead for people’s sympathy. I’m just stating that, ‘Hey, I made some mistakes. I was wrong. I’m sorry. I’m gonna learn. I’m gonna do better.”

I’m sorry but, “Hey, I made some mistakes” doesn’t quite measure up to the level of wrong done at Baylor. Briles’ program was part of a culture at the school that not only overlooked many instances of sexual assault, but also made victims afraid to report attacks for fear of reprisals or even expulsion from the university. “I made some mistakes” does not live up to what happened there. He should be on his knees tearfully begging for forgiveness from the women impacted by his actions, or lack therof.

Philadelphia law firm Pepper Hamilton did a thorough review of the university’s handling of sexual assault cases in May and determined football was above the rules under Briles’ watch. Briles was the head of a program that failed to notify the proper authorities when allegations arose on numerous occasions and in some cases actively worked to discredit victims when they came forward.

I’m sorry but Briles is going to have to do a whole lot better than “Hey, I made some mistakes” if he wants me to believe he’s actually contrite.