Applewhite apologizes for relationship

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Following an open records request, news has surfaced of an inappropriate relationship between Texas Assistant Coach Major Applewhite and a student, leading up to the 2009 Fiesta Bowl.

Applewhite released a statement Friday night that said:

"Several years ago, I made a regretful decision resulting in behavior that was totally inappropriate. It was a one-time occurrence and was a personal matter. Shortly after it occurred, I discussed the situation with DeLoss Dodds. I was upfront and took full responsibility for my actions. This is and was resolved four years ago with the University.
Through counsel I have worked with my wife and the incident is behind us. I am regretful for my mistake and humbled by this experience. I am deeply sorry for the embarrassment it has caused my friends, family, and the University. I appreciate all of them. I’ve learned and grown from this and look forward to my work at Texas."

"The Texas Athletic Department launched an inquiry in conjunction with the University's Legal Affairs office and other units outside of Athletics," according to a statement from Athletic Director DeLoss Dodds.

According the the open records request, Dodds sent Applewhite a letter informing him his salary was frozen for the remainder of 2009, until Jan. 1, 2010. Also, Dodds ordered Applewhite to meet with a licensed professional counselor.

Friday night, Dodds also released a statement that said, in part:

"Major admitted his inappropriate conduct and he was disciplined.  In determining appropriate discipline, we analyze the facts and circumstances surrounding the behavior and its relation to job responsibilities.  Major fully accepted his discipline, including counseling.  We have high standards for behavior and expect our staff and coaches to adhere to them in all aspects of their lives. I believe that the appropriate discipline was taken in this case."

During the 2008-2009 season, Applewhite was the running backs coach and assistant head coach. The Longhorns went 12-1, including a 24-21 win over No. 10 Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl.

Following the Longhorns 2012 season, Applewhite was promoted from running backs coach to quarterbacks coach with play-calling duties. He had served as the running backs coach from 2008 until 2010, and in Jan. 2011 he was promoted to co-offensive coordinator, in addition to his running backs coaching duties.

Friday morning, the Texas Board of Regents announced a special called meeting by telephone for Sunday, Feb. 3 to discuss legal issues concerning individual athletics personnel at UT Austin, legal issues related to inappropriate relationships between employees and students, and individual personnel matters related to duties and assignments.

Earlier this year, longtime women's track Head Coach Bev Kearney was forced to resign for having a consensual relationship with a student-athlete she coached. Kearney's relationship began 2002 and ended, according to the University, about eight years ago.