SAN ANTONIO - Major Applewhite, the quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator of the Texas Longhorns, reportedly engaged in inappropritate, consensual behavior with an adult student during the 2009 Fiesta Bowl, that according to the Dallas Morning News and KEYE-TV. University of Texas Athletic Director DeLoss Dodds released a statement late Friday night, summerizing the inappropriate relationship that took place.
“Major Applewhite engaged in inappropriate, consensual behavior with an adult student one time during the 2009 Fiesta Bowl activities. After learning of his behavior later that month, I took immediate action to review the situation. We promptly initiated an inquiry with assistance from the university’s Legal Affairs office and other units outside of Athletics. Major admitted his inappropriate conduct and he was disciplined. In determining appropriate discipline, we analyze the facts and circumstances surrounding the behavior and its relation to job responsibilities. Major fully accepted his discipline, including counseling. We have high standards for behavior and expect our staff and coaches to adhere to them in all aspects of their lives. I believe that the appropriate discipline was taken in this case.”
Our sister station KEYE reports that Applewhite also released a statement, admitting his involvement in this relationship, and discussing how other aspects of his life--including his marriage--were impacted by this incident.
"Several years ago, I made a regretful decision resulting in behavior that was totally inappropriate. It was a one-time occurrence and was a personal matter. Shortly after it occurred, I discussed the situation with DeLoss Dodds. I was upfront and took full responsibility for my actions. This is and was resolved four years ago with the University. Through counsel I have worked with my wife and the incident is behind us. I am regretful for my mistake and humbled by this experience. I am deeply sorry for the embarrassment it has caused my friends, family, and the University. I appreciate all of them. I’ve learned and grown from this and look forward to my work at Texas.”
Applewhite first started with the Longhorns as a graduate assistant in 2003-2004. After three different coaching stints with three schools in 2005-2007, he returned to the Longhorns coaching staff in 2008.
This is the second scandal the Texas athletic department has had to deal with this year. Texas' women's track coach Bev Kearny was forced to resign after it was revealed she had an affair with a female student in 2002.
