Baylor had a rather unexpected supporter in the stands on Friday night in the form of Art Briles, and the disgraced former coach defended his decision to attend the team’s 38-10 victory over Rice.
Several fans spotted Briles sitting among the regular fans during the first half before leaving just before halftime.
@Baylor Art Briles in the house. pic.twitter.com/0v6hpD9xmb
— SicEm (@BearNTex) September 17, 2016
“I love these players and I love these coaches,” Briles told ESPN.com when asked about his attendance. “I love Baylor Nation. It’s the only time I’ve been able to show up for a game.
“I’m not trying to be a distraction. It’s about the coaches and it’s about the players.”
Briles said he did not inform anyone in the school administration that he would be there. Several fans who spotted him leaving shook his hand, took pictures, and one even posed for a selfie with the ex-coach.
An investigation into the rash of sexual assaults on campus found that Briles was complicit in covering up reports and helping football players avoid discipline. He hasn’t exactly accepted the blame for it. Even if he doesn’t want to be, Briles will be a distraction if he shows up anywhere near the Baylor program.
