Ben Hansen
11-13-2002, 06:27 PM
Some brief quotes and then a story to follow...
Read a statement first, basically stating that the players did meet with Peter Likins and talked about the problem of his relations with them.
-"The genesis of the problem with the players began with my addressing of the team after the Wisconsin. I was wrong and I have made similar statements to my coaching staff and it is something I regret."
Now getting emotional and pausing...
-"I have not acted accordingly to the model I have laid upon myself."
-"I am very sorry for my actions and after meeting with my players and coaches separately I have decided that I will work my hardest to mend any and all fences possible."
-"As one player said, if we were undefeated we probably wouldn't be here. That may be true that may not be true. But that responsibility is mine."
(Emotional again).
-"I've asked for an opportunity with our team to do a better job with them. Some of them are supportive of that and some aren't as supportive but all I could do at this point is pledge that I would do any and everything possible to restore the dignity of our program. And I intend to do that. It is my responsibility to restore that pride because it was something we have not had. Again that is my responsibility.'
-"I know that we are going to go out to practice today and I intend to be at practice as well."
Did you consider stepping down?
-"No. I did not."
-"There are still fences to be mended with players and I told them I'd sit down with them in groups or indiviudally, but actions are more important than words."
-"I think if any group of players would have come to me and said 'we have a problem', I think I would have given them as much attention as I did today."
Have you received any indication whether or not the entire squad will play this weekend?
"I would expect that they would."
MORE TO COME LATER!!
Read a statement first, basically stating that the players did meet with Peter Likins and talked about the problem of his relations with them.
-"The genesis of the problem with the players began with my addressing of the team after the Wisconsin. I was wrong and I have made similar statements to my coaching staff and it is something I regret."
Now getting emotional and pausing...
-"I have not acted accordingly to the model I have laid upon myself."
-"I am very sorry for my actions and after meeting with my players and coaches separately I have decided that I will work my hardest to mend any and all fences possible."
-"As one player said, if we were undefeated we probably wouldn't be here. That may be true that may not be true. But that responsibility is mine."
(Emotional again).
-"I've asked for an opportunity with our team to do a better job with them. Some of them are supportive of that and some aren't as supportive but all I could do at this point is pledge that I would do any and everything possible to restore the dignity of our program. And I intend to do that. It is my responsibility to restore that pride because it was something we have not had. Again that is my responsibility.'
-"I know that we are going to go out to practice today and I intend to be at practice as well."
Did you consider stepping down?
-"No. I did not."
-"There are still fences to be mended with players and I told them I'd sit down with them in groups or indiviudally, but actions are more important than words."
-"I think if any group of players would have come to me and said 'we have a problem', I think I would have given them as much attention as I did today."
Have you received any indication whether or not the entire squad will play this weekend?
"I would expect that they would."
MORE TO COME LATER!!