Temple University Athletics
STATEMENT FROM TEMPLE UNIVERSITY MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH JOHN CHANEY
2.28.05 | Men's Basketball
PHILADELPHIA--Last week, my words and actions were wrong, wrong, wrong.
I never intended -- nor did any of my players intend-- for anyone to be injured, regardless of what may have been said emotionally before, during and after the game. But the unfortunate fact is that John Bryant was injured. I have taken full responsibility for my words and actions, and have apologized from my heart.
I have expressed my deepest regret and apologized to John Bryant, his family, Saint Joseph's University, President David Adamany, my team, Athletics Director Bill Bradshaw, the Temple University community, Commissioner Linda Bruno, members of the Atlantic 10 Conference, and the public for my conduct.
On Friday, the University suspended me from coaching for the remainder of the regular season. I was, however, at liberty to coach our team in the Atlantic 10 Tournament in Cincinnati.
I have spent my adult life working hard and preaching loudly for the ideal of fair access, equality of opportunity and fairness for all persons. I have devoted my basketball years not just to winning games and earning a salary, but to helping countless youngsters advance to adulthood with discipline, self-esteem and productive skills. I have tried to live the dream of fair access, equality of opportunity and fairness. How well I have succeeded is for others to determine, but I know I give those goals my best effort every day, and have done so for more than forty years.
In view of all the circumstances, I believe the fair thing is for me not to coach during the Atlantic 10 Championship Tournament in Cincinnati. John Bryant is unable to play in the Tournament because of the injury he sustained last week against Temple. Neither should I be able to coach.
I have reviewed my intention with Athletic Director Bill Bradshaw and President David Adamany of Temple University, and with Commissioner Linda Bruno of the Atlantic 10 Conference.
John Chaney
Head Coach
Men's Basketball
