Read MSU Athletic Director Mark Hollis' full statement announcing retirement

Lansing State Journal

Mark Hollis, Michigan State's athletic director, spoke Tuesday to a bevy of reporters after a press conference that announced the dismissal of three football players. The now former players face sexual assault charges. Hollis said he will do everything possible to make sure the campus is a safe place for all.

EAST LANSING – Here is Mark Hollis’ full statement of resignation and retirement as Michigan State University’s athletic director.

More:Michigan State AD Mark Hollis resigns: 'It's the right time to let people heal'

“Michigan State University is a great institution and its greatest strengths are the people that call themselves Spartans. Many if not all of those Spartans are hurting, especially the courageous survivors of Larry Nassar’s abuse.. My heart breaks, my heart breaks thinking about the incomprehensible pain all of them and their families have experienced. Along with many I was brought to tears as I listen to statements. There simply aren’t the right words to express our sympathy.

“Our campus and beyond has been attacked by evil, an individual who broke trust and so much more. As a campus community, we must do everything we can to ensure that this never happens again and make sure that any sexual assault never occurs. But to do so, we must listen and learn lessons. Only then can we truly begin the process of healing.

“I tried to do this since first learning about the abuse in September 2016. At the beginning of my tenure as athletic director, I established a mission statement, one with the student athletes at its core. Our first priority has always been their health and safety. That focus, along with our core values, has guided our department each and every day. Value such as respect, accountability and perhaps most importantly, integrity, has served as a foundation through good times and bad – perhaps at no time more than just the last few days.

“I spoke with my administrative staff, coaches and many student athletes and most importantly, my wife, Nancy, and my children over the course of the past week. They are all incredible people, amazing Spartans. I have always been a Spartan and I always will be. It’s been an absolute honor to guide the apartment for the last decade. That being said, today, I’m announcing my retirement.

“This was not an easy decision for my family and you should know, you should not jump, should not jump to any conclusions based upon our decision. Listen to the facts. I’m not running away from anything. I’m running toward something. Comfort, compassion and understanding for the survivors and our community. Togetherness, time and love for my family.

“Much attention has recently been given to the outside investigations into the university and the athletic department, including those both by the Michigan attorney general and the NCAA. Let me be clear that in retirement I will fully cooperate with these and any other investigations. As a university we must focus on the healing of survivors and our entire community.

“That’s my statement. You all understand there is much litigaton that’s currently going on. I know every word is scrutinized but I want to be open with you like I think I’ve always been through my tenure in answering questions that you might have to the best of my ability.”

Contact Chris Solari: csolari@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrissolari. Download our Spartans Xtra app for free on Apple and Android devices!