On Friday, a bombshell report by Paula Lavigne of ESPN’s Outside the Lines implicated Michigan State and head football coach Mark Dantonio as having worked to cover up a culture of sexual assault and violence against women. Per the report, since 2007, at least 16 Spartans players have been accused of sexual assault or violence against women.
On Friday evening, Dantonio appeared in front of local media to give a statement.
Dantonio denied having done anything whatsoever to cover up any attacks.
Dantonio: “I am here tonight to say any accusations…are completely false. All reports were documented.”
— Kyle Turk (@KyleTurkGHT) January 27, 2018
Dantonio turns to today's report and denies ever dealing with sexual assault cases. "I've always worked with the authorities when dealing with sexual assault."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) January 27, 2018
Dantonio: "When we find out about the problems, it has come from the police or the university authorities."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) January 27, 2018
Dantonio said he has been advised against any questions
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) January 27, 2018
Dantonio also said that he absolutely will not be retiring.
Dantonio says "it is absolutely false" that he will resign.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) January 27, 2018
Dantonio didn’t say anything else. He was up at the podium for no longer than about three or four minutes and quickly left.
Tom Izzo is also expected to give a press conference later in the evening. The Outside the Lines report also brought him and his basketball program into focus, noting there is a Title IX being filed against the MSU basketball program.