Ron English failed to build a winning football program at Eastern Michigan University, going 11-46 at the Mid-American Conference school since 2009, including a 1-8 mark through the first nine games of this season. But his downfall was precipitated by a three-minute, expletive-laced tirade delivered to defensive backs during a film session last month, a recording of which fell into the hands of athletics administration. In it, English repeatedly refers to players as "bitch."
He was fired Friday for what EMU athletic director Mary Lyke called "absolutely unacceptable" statements containing "wholly inappropriate language."
In an Associated Press phone interview Saturday, English expressed regret. "As a man who has coached 21 years, obviously, on this occasion and particular meeting, I lost my poise, got upset and used language that was inappropriate, particularly as it pertains to homosexual slurs. I regret that," he said. "I apologize to the university for putting it in this position and tarnishing its reputation. I look forward to continuing a career that has been marked by molding men of integrity, passion and intensity for 21 years."
