University of Miami Athletic Officials Formally Apologize for Punching Incident

University of Miami athletic department officials formally apologized Monday to The Los Angeles Times for the punching incident Saturday involving Miami assistant coach Gary Stevens and Times sportswriter Rick Reilly.

Stevens had punched Reilly in the shoulder after Reilly and Stevens became involved in an argument over an incident that occurred two days earlier, when Times sportswriter Julie Cart was denied access to Miami’s locker room while male reporters were allowed in.

The written apology, given to The Times by Miami Athletic Director Sam Jankovich, said:

“I would like to apologize to The Los Angeles Times for the incident with one of our staff members last Saturday.

“We value our relationship with the members of the media and believe our record shows we are very cooperative with the many members of the media that cover us throughout the year.”