University of Virginia Library

A Misunderstanding

Concerning the recent
Sports Illustrated article, I
would like to apologize to
those who were offended by
the reporter's misinterpretation
of a statement I made. The
statement was never meant to
be taken as an indication that
there is a "characteristic
disregard" for the Honor Code.

However I will say, without
any doubt, there are "some"
University students who do, in
fact, disregard the Honor Code.
Thefts in the dorms and
fraternities indicate such
disregard. We can attribute
some of the thefts to
non-University students but
certainly not all of them. It is
for this reason that I hid the
trophy.

Mistakes are made. I was at
fault for not clarifying myself
to the reporter and the
reporter interpreted the
statement as he understood it.
Unfortunately his
interpretation was incorrect.

I respect the honor code and
I'm quite certain the majority
of the University joins me with
such respect. But there are
those who do not. My
statement was directed at those
who do not respect the Honor Code,
not the entire University.

I hope those offended will
understand and accept my
apology.