SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The president of the University of Notre Dame sent an e-mail to students, faculty, staff and alumni Friday saying the school is responsible for a student videographer’s death because it failed to protect him.
“Declan Sullivan was entrusted to our care, and we failed to keep him safe,” the Rev. John Jenkins wrote. “We at Notre Dame and ultimately I, as president, are responsible. Words cannot express our sorrow to the Sullivan family and to all involved.”
Sullivan, 20, was killed Oct. 27 when a hydraulic lift he was on toppled over while he was filming practice. The National Weather Service reported a gusts of up to 51 mph at the time. The school and state regulators are investigating the accident.
Jenkins also voiced support for coach Brian Kelly, who has said it was his decision to hold practice outdoors on the day Sullivan died.
Newton denies any wrongdoing
AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn quarterback Cam Newton has denied any wrongdoing as the NCAA reviews the recruitment of the Heisman Trophy hopeful.
“I didn’t do anything wrong,” said Newton, who will start for the 9-0 Tigers today against Chattanooga. “I’m blessed to be at Auburn right now, and I’m sure the smoke will settle.”
Auburn has not received a letter of inquiry.
Former Mississippi State player John Bond has said an ex-teammate was soliciting payment during Newton’s recruitment by that school last season. reported that the teammate was Kenny Rogers.
“He told me that Cam Newton wanted to play at Mississippi State, but that a specified payment would have to be made,” Bond said.
Footnotes.
ESPN said it is pursuing a deal with the University of Texas to distribute the school’s proposed Longhorn Network on cable television.
• Tennessee junior cornerback Art Evans has been indefinitely suspended for an undisclosed violation of team rules.
• A lawsuit by Kansas State seeking to invalidate a buyout agreement with former football coach Ron Prince will go to trial, Riley County District Judge David Stutzman ruled.
