Missouri Basketball

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Mike Anderson Makes A Statement

by OSR Staff

Columbia, Mo. - Prior to addressing the media in the post-game press conference about the Nebraska game, Coach Mike Anderson made some heartfelt comments about the situation his program has dealt with over the course of the last few days.  Here is a transcript of Anderson's statement.

"First of all, let me talk about some things that have taken place and stories that have been written and this and that. I want to address that before I even start.

"Number one, when I took the job day one, I talked about having an opportunity to come in and bring an exciting brand of basketball that I think our fans would enjoy, that's predicated on defense; kids really getting after it. And not only that, we're going to bring in kids that represent this University in a first-class manner on and off the floor. They're going to do the right things, they're going to have fun and when they leave here, they're going to be productive citizens. That's the one thing I talked about. That's my vow to the fans here and to the University and even to the administration when I came in here. I have not changed from day one.

"Now, I know there have been a lot of events that have taken place, even the one that took place here recently where we had to suspend five guys. But the one thing about me is, I talk about being, I'm big on family. I'm like these guys' father. So when kids make mistakes, you've got to discipline them. That's part of it, you've got to discipline them.

"But with that being said, you know, every situation, I made sure I get all the facts and I look and then I make that decision. Even as far as my son, Michael Anderson, he was involved in an incident and I disciplined him. That's my own son. Disciplined him…Mike has done the things he's supposed to do. Do you realize that Mike is getting ready to graduate? Now, do you think, when Mike leaves here, he's going to be a productive citizen? I think so. Kalen Grimes. Kalen Grimes is another one. You kick him off, he's not with the team. Kalen continued, we allowed him to have his scholarship. Kalen Grimes will walk in May. Kalen Grimes will be a productive citizen. All these incidents have been separate. The way they happened is unfortunate. DeMarre Carroll just happened to be a victim. Scheduled to graduate.

"These are kids we're talking about. So let me ask you this here. My job is more than just a coach, you know…Also I'm a teacher too. I'm trying to teach them about life. And so the latest episode, they broke team rules. With that being said, they were suspended indefinitely. Now, how long is it going to last? It may be one game. Right now, we've got some things they've got to do. You know what? Those guys are on line to graduate. They're walking in May. So what gets lost, and I want you people to understand, what gets lost is, they're still kids. Heck yeah, they make mistakes. We're grown ups and we make mistakes. I know that. But I think the most important thing is can you learn from it? The easiest thing to do is throw somebody under the bus. And you'll ruin that kid's life. You'll ruin this kid's life. I know you guys have got your jobs. I've got a passion about what I do.

"These kids are my family. With that being said, I'm going to try to do the best I can for my family. You've got a job to do. And, so, you know, when I look at some of the stories that were written about this and that, and the thing I always say is they broke team rules. And all kinds of stories and rumors and all that stuff and a lot of them were incorrect. Those guys will serve a suspension and it will be evaluated and possibly they will be back for the Kansas State game."

Anderson was asked when the session turned to question-and-answer time what he thought the suspended players would take out of the night.

"When we played at Colorado, as I said, we were getting ready to turn that corner. I mean, can you imagine with a full squad?  Who knows what those guys thought? But I think number one, they're hurting…It hits home. It's one thing to say it. But it hits home when you're sitting in street clothes and you know your guys need you. That's why I said I couldn't be more proud..."

A later question came about the toll the last bit of incidents has taken on him.

"It's the coaching profession. That's what it is. It tests your faith. But it didn't test my faith. I know who I am and what I'm about. Again, I think that's the thing I lean on more than anything else. I prayed about this. I did. I really, really searched.  I know I'm building a program. I'm building a program, trying to change a culture.  I want guys that are going to come in and leave as men. I think even if you look at these guys, I think they are. I think they've learned some things. There have been some hard lessons, now, I'm going to tell you that...It has not been easy. "