Blake Anderson apologizes for comments on sexual assault, adresses situation at LA Bowl press conference
INGLEWOOD — As Utah State Football prepares for their matchup against Oregon State on Saturday in the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl, Head Coach Blake Anderson is in the public spotlight for telling his team, in a recording obtained by the Salt Lake Tribune, that it “Has never been more glamorized to be a victim” of sexual assault.
In a statement released by the university on Friday morning, Anderson apologized for the comments and is quoted saying, “I regret the words I used, and I apologize to anyone who has bravely come forward with allegations of wrongdoing.”
At Friday afternoon’s press conference for the LA Bowl, Anderson was asked about how the situation has impacted him and his team.
“It hasn’t been a distraction necessarily,” Anderson said. “It was definitely a topic of conversation, made sure the team kind of knew what was going on. I think, just trying to do the best we could, I mean, we’re always transparent. I don’t keep things from our guys. We close the door and I’m very open with them.”
Anderson added that some players are unhappy a private conversation has come to light by the media.
“I think they felt some frustration in the sense that that came from a meeting that we had during fall camp to try and help them be better, try to help them be the best they can be. I let them know that the administration, myself we’ll deal with it,” he said. “I didn’t want them to worry about it. I want them to be able to focus on the week, enjoy the week. Not let it overshadow the week and I think they’ve done a good job of moving past that.”
A few players took to Twitter on Friday to share their feelings regarding the situation.
Ajani Carter, junior linebacker, said, “Sometimes I REALLY just f****** HATE the MEDIA!”
Byron Vaughns, junior defensive lineman, added, “The media’s job is to keep topics for the next day’s news…Rather it be right or wrong that’s how they get paid…Remember that before believing anything you see or hear from THE MEDIA…”
Anderson’s response to his comments come just one day after USU police Chief Earl Morris resigned for comments he told the USU football team in another recording released by the Salt Lake Tribune.
Morris told the football team, “If you’re not used to a Mormon community, folks, I’m here to tell you, the Latter-day Saints community … young ladies, they may have sex with you, but then they’re going to go talk to their minister, their bishop, priest, whatever you want to call it.”
Anderson hopes the team can move forward from this and focus on the game that they’ve earned a spot to play in.
The Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl kicks off at 5:30 MT on ABC and can be listened to on 92.3 FM Aggie Radio.
-Jacob.Nielson@usu.edu