University of South Carolina President Bob Caslen told the Florence Morning News that South Carolina athletic director Ray Tanner talked with Florida State on how it managed its former head football coach Willie Taggart's buyout when the Seminoles fired him earlier this season.
Following the Florence Morning News story, USC released a statement from Caslen saying Tanner did not talk to Florida State about this. The Florence Morning News then published the recording from the Caslen interview where he did say Tanner reached out to Florida State.
Today at 1:23 p.m., Caslen released a statement about the interview.
In the statement, Caslen said:
"Earlier this week, I had a lengthy conversation with reporters and editors from the Florence Morning News about our university and the importance of keeping it affordable and accessible to the people of South Carolina. In the course of that interview, I was asked several questions about the football program, including one about Coach [Will] Muschamp that I misinterpreted. I misspoke and the mistake was mine, and I apologize for any confusion my comments have created with Gamecock fans or our program. Our Athletic Director and I will support Will Muschamp, and we look forward to him being our coach next year and for seasons to come."
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.