Football Head Coach Mark Whipple Suspended Without Pay For One Week

AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford has announced that head football coach Mark Whipple has been suspended without pay from all coaching activities for the upcoming week including the game against South Florida on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. In addition, Whipple will participate in a mandated sensitivity training program provided by the University.

Defensive Coordinator Ed Pinkham will serve as the acting head coach for the upcoming week. Whipple will resume head coaching duties following Saturday's contest.

UMass Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford
"On behalf of our department, I deeply apologize for the comments made by head coach Mark Whipple on Saturday after our game at Ohio. His reference to rape was highly inappropriate, insensitive and inexcusable under any circumstance. Coach Whipple's comments don't reflect the values of this institution, our athletics department or football program. Mark is disappointed in himself and understands his serious error in judgment."

UMass Football Head Coach Mark Whipple
"I am deeply sorry for the word I used on Saturday to describe a play in our game. It is unacceptable to make use of the word 'rape' in the way I did and I am very sorry for doing so. It represents a lack of responsibility on my part as the leader of this program and a member of this university's community, and I am disappointed with myself that I made this comparison when commenting after our game."