Stoops apologizes for calling ASU a junior college

[Ptah]

Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 02.07.2008
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Mike Stoops called Arizona State football coach Dennis Erickson
today to apologize for referring to ASU as a junior college during
Wednesday’s National Letter-of-Intent press conference.

Stoops then issued a public apology late this afternoon.
“These remarks were dutifully reported by the media, and
not necessarily taken out of context – which was within
some of my heartfelt observations about the recruiting process
and what it entails for individuals and college football programs,”
he said in a release issued by the UA athletic department.
“I’ve since spoken with ASU coach Dennis Erickson.
It was a personal mistake and one for which I apologize.”

Wednesday, Stoops discussed the notion of high school recruits
targeted by the UA instead choosing ASU. Jarrell Barbour, a Glendale recruit,
decommitted from the Wildcats because he said ASU
“had a better chance to get me in” academically. The Wildcats lost
two other verbal commitments — from Gerell Robinson and tailback Ryan Bass — to ASU.

"Arizona State has turned into a JC, and we're a four-year college,”
Stoops said Wednesday. “According to all the players,
they say it's easier to go to school there, easier to get in."


Edit to add link: http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/hourlyupdate/224078.php

[BOSSHOG]

1. I went to UA

and we always looked down at ASU. (I'm referring to Arkansas and Arkansas State.) We wanted to keep them way down there low on the publicity meter. And never, ever schedule them in any sport. I would never apologize for the good natured ribbing of the little po-dunk school in the little po-dunk town in Eastern Arkansas but a coach doing it brings unwanted attention.