In his first significant public statement since stepping down, Hugh Freeze has issued a written apology to the Ole Miss community.
In July Freeze stepped down as head coach of the Rebels following an internal probe which identified "a pattern of personal misconduct" Ole Miss Chancellor Dr. Jeffrey Vitter announced.
Freeze's apology, issued to RebelGrove.com, can be read in full on that site.
Freeze's apology opens with:
While I realize a statement from me could be met with criticism and more negative attention, I believe I owe the Ole Miss family an apology for the pain and disappointment I’ve caused them.
He continued with:
As you know, in July of this year Ross Bjork asked me about a concerning number discovered in my phone records. In the days that followed, I shared with him the truth about my past, ultimately resulting in my resignation. It’s a truth I’d already shared with my wife, Jill, and with two of my closest friends months earlier.
Part of his close was:
Words cannot express our gratitude for the outpouring of prayers, love, and forgiveness we have received from many of you. We have some incredible memories to hold onto from our time at Ole Miss, and want to thank you for blessing us over the last 5 years. While I realize there’s no good answer for the pain I’ve caused, I hope you can forgive me.
Sincerely,
Hugh Freeze