The University of Mississippi Athletics
Andy Kennedy Resolution; Statements
4/20/2009 | Men's Basketball
FACTS OF THE ANDY KENNEDY RESOLUTION
Coach Andy Kennedy has agreed to plead guilty to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct, a lower, fourth-class misdemeanor. Coach Kennedy will serve probation up to six months, ending upon completion of 40 hours of community service. Coach Kennedy must also pay a $100 fine and court costs. One year following probation, the Court will allow Coach Kennedy to ask for the charge to be expunged from his record.
The exact language of the charge follows: "Recklessly causing alarm to Mr. Jiddou by engaging in turbulent behavior and persisting in that behavior despite reasonable requests to desist. On the date in question, after leaving the Lodge Bar on Seventh Street, the defendant hailed a cab and subsequently engaged in a verbal altercation, which escalated into a confrontation with the cab driver Mr. Jiddou. He persisted in that behavior despite reasonable requests to desist."
OLE MISS HEAD BASKETBALL COACH ANDY KENNEDY STATEMENT
I want to take this opportunity to apologize to Pete (Boone), the Athletics Department, to Chancellor (Robert) Khayat, our university, and to the entire Ole Miss family for any negative light that has been shown as a result of my involvement in this unfortunate situation.
I acknowledge using poor judgment which resulted in an adverse reflection on me, my family, our program and the university that I so proudly represent.
Our program is built on the Foundation of Accountability, and I, as its leader, take full responsibility for my actions and the consequences that follow.
This "season" of adversity has presented me with many opportunities through which I could talk to our players about real life lessons. I, too, have learned a valuable lesson that will aid in my continued growth as a coach, a leader and, most importantly, a man.
I want to publicly thank my boss, Pete Boone, our boss, Chancellor Khayat, the University of Mississippi and the loyal Rebels everywhere for their unwavering support.
I look forward to moving ahead as I assure you that I will work diligently in my efforts to represent this university in the manner in which it deserves to be represented.
OLE MISS ATHLETICS DIRECTOR PETE BOONE STATEMENT ON ANDY KENNEDY
I am pleased that a resolution has been reached that will put this unfortunate situation behind Coach Kennedy.
Andy's role as Ole Miss' Head Basketball Coach requires him to lead the young men under his care. This means athletically, academically and in life. Andy should have handled this situation better as it relates to the time frame and subsequent dispute. Andy and I have had numerous conversations regarding this event. I believe the lessons he learned will pave the way for him to become a truly outstanding coach in every sense of the word.
Coach Kennedy's on-the-court performance this season warranted a contract extension. Nevertheless, Coach Kennedy knows that any conduct that is detrimental to the image of Ole Miss is unacceptable. Therefore, Coach Kennedy and I have mutually agreed that an extension will not be consummated at this time.
Adversity brings opportunity. Coach Kennedy and our program will emerge from this stronger. We look forward to next season.
