With Alcorn State University’s official termination of football coach Ernest Jones from his position yesterday, Jones has officially responded to the firing with a written statement this afternoon. Details of the statement included plans for an appeal to the Mississippi court system, and other information that Jones believes created an unwarranted termination by order of university president Dr. George Ross and athletic director Darren Hamilton.
The following are excerpts from Jones’ statement, which was issued along with statements from his legal team:
Ernest Jones
“I am saddened by the decision of the University,” Coach Jones said. “This is a decision that not only affects me, but affects the athletes, the coaches, the football program and the University. I was recruited by Dr. Ross to return to Alcorn State, my Alma Mater, to lead the football program back to the level of prominence and success we have historically enjoyed as Alcornites. To return as the head football coach was my dream, to follow in the footsteps of such great coaches as Marino Casem, who built Alcorn Football into a powerhouse program. I left an extraordinary coaching opportunity with Coach Brian Kelly at Cincinnati to return home, to be of service to a great institution which meant so much to me throughout my adult life and which gave me my foundation.”
“… I committed myself to the well-being and success of each and every young man who wore an Alcorn State University uniform. I have no regrets for my commitment to them, their families, the students or the University I love. I want to thank all of my fellow Alcornites who greeted me with love and affection and have supported me through what was a difficult season and last two months. I want to thank them for their support for me, the young men in my charge, who became sons to me, and the assistant coaches. I also want to thank the many families who entrusted their young men to my care and tutelage and all the many parents, coaches and families who allowed me to the privilege to visit with them during the recruiting process.”
“Finally, I want to insure all of my fellow Alcornites that I have operated at the heights of integrity and honor, and I conducted myself every day in a manner which was both in the best interest of the University and the young men who I was hired to serve. It is my hope that I can continue to serve the student athletes, administration and fans of Alcorn State for years to come.”
Other Highlights
- There were issues involved with the hearing that Jones’ attorneys believe should have been addressed. IHL Rules and University policy provide for a fair and impartial hearing process, which Jones’ attorneys argue was not given. This is in part due to the fact that although Dr. George E. Ross, President of Alcorn State, is named individually as a party in the pending litigation against the University and certain members of its administration (which also includes Mr. Darren Hamilton) he would not remove himself from his role as the convening authority for the hearing.
- During the course of the hearing, Coach Jones was not allowed to challenge the veracity of evidence or to challenge the credibility of witnesses or parties who testified on behalf of the University. Those testifying during the hearing on behalf of the University included: a convicted felon; and individuals of questionable character who had previously been terminated from other educational institutions for unlawful and inappropriate conduct which violated University policy at prior institutions.
- Counsel requested that the Court remove the hearing from before the IHL Board to insure Coach Jones received a fair and impartial hearing as required by the IHL Rules and the University Policies. In light of the fact Dr. Ross had already advised Coach Jones — in a private conversation prior to the date of the hearing — that he intended to fire him, the outcome of the hearing and Dr. Ross’ decision was never in doubt according to Jones’ attorneys.
