Utah State head coach apologizes for stating it's 'glamorized to be a victim' of sexual assault

Utah State head coach Blake Anderson came under fire for his comments about sexual assault earlier this week. Friday, he apologized in a statement.

Anderson was quoted in a lawsuit as saying it “has never been more glamorized to be a victim” of sexual assault, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. On Friday, Utah State released a statement from Anderson apologizing for his remarks.

“In the course of that conversation, I used a phrase regarding victims of wrongdoing to magnify that message to our team, but after reading my comments in the transcript that was released, I realize my choice of words was hurtful,” the statement read. “I regret the words I used, and I apologize to anyone who has bravely come forward with allegations of wrongdoing. We have to do everything we can to encourage and protect anybody who has been the victim of a wrong, or whose personal rights have been violated. Anyone who knows me knows how strongly I feel about this. Giving victims a safe platform to address wrongs they’ve suffered is always the right thing to do, and something I’ll always stand for.”

The comments came in a recording the Salt Lake Tribune obtained and that’s part of a lawsuit filed this week. The lawsuit also referred to a recording of Utah State police chief Earl Morris, who made a comment about Latter-day Saint women. He resigned Thursday after being put on leave.

The school also released a statement Friday about the investigation.

“The university reiterates that students who experience sexual misconduct must be able to trust in USU so they feel comfortable coming forward, whether to seek help or report,” the statement read. “Utah State is committed to start by believing and reducing barriers to reporting. USU will be working diligently to address these issues in our campus community and will provide more information on steps taken in the future.”

More about Blake Anderson, Utah State

The apology came one day before Utah State is supposed to take on Oregon State in the LA Bowl Saturday night. The Aggies went 10-3 overall and 6-2 in Mountain West action this season.

Anderson was also named a finalist for the George Munger Collegiate Coach of the Year Award this week. He previously was named AFCA Region 5 Coach of the Year.

Kickoff between Utah State and Oregon State is coming up Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.