Here's Pete Carroll's response --- says he's "absolutely shocked''

Published June 11, 2010 at 1:01 a.m.

Instead of sending out a press release, or meeting with reporters, former USC coach Pete Carroll has instead issued a video statement to today's ruling of penalties on his former school. Carroll is now coach of the Seattle Seahawks.

Here is that response.

Carroll says he is "absolutely shocked and disappointed'' in the ruling and that he never thought it could come to this.

He said he "never thought there were any facts'' that would support the allegations and that "we were not aware of any of these findings.''

He says that "the agenda took them beyond the facts'' of the case and that the "facts don't match the sanctions.''

He says this is a "clear-cut case'' of external elements outside the university "disrupting the process'' and that he supports USC's decision to appeal.

Here's a more complete transcript:

"I'm absolutely shocked and disappointed at the findings of the NCAA. I never, ever thought it would come to this. After nine years working at the university and going through all of the challenges and the accomplishments that all of the people took part in. I'm extremely disappointed that we have to deal with this right now.

"After going through the process from the depositions and the interviews over years and years, and also participating in the hearing for the NCAA, I never thought there were any facts that supported these significant sanctions that have come forth. The primary issue throughout the process was did the university know. The university didn't know, we didn't know. We were not aware of any of these findings.

"I think it's important for you to know that through all aspects of the program, we were vigilant in the way we approached every aspect. We always were out there to do things better than they've ever been done before. The agenda of the NCAA infractions committee took them beyond the facts, and the facts don't match the sanctions. I absolutely support the appeal by the university and will do everything I can to contribute to their efforts.

"This is a clear-cut case of external elements outside of the university setting entering in and disrupting the process of young student athletes going to college for their gain. It's time for the NCAA and the universities to come together to elevate the awareness and the understanding of the vulnerability of college athletes and their families. We need to be proactive and work in every way to protect this college experience for these kids.

"I feel terrible for the Trojan family that we have to go through this, but as always we'll be strong and keep our heads up and we'll keep fighting on. I'll continue to support and cooperate with the appeal process and do everything I can to help. Fight on."

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