Notre Dame Vice President and Director of Athletics Jack
Swarbrick says the University has encouraged Manti Te'o to tell his side of the
girlfriend hoax story.
"We think it's important and would like to see it happen
sooner rather than later," said Swarbrick.
Swarbrick's comments came during a weekly podcast recorded
midday Thursday. Before the Wednesday release of the story by Deadspin.com,
Swarbrick had expected Te'o would tell his story to the media.
"We did have an expectation, based on our conversation,
that it would be next Monday (Jan. 21)," said Swarbrick.
Swarbrick got a little choked up during Wednesday's press
conference, held just hours after the release of the Deadspin story, while
talking about how this has impacted Te'o.
"My affection for
him is real, as it is for so many of our student athletes, but I'm just so
overwhelmed by the cruelty of this," Swarbrick said on the podcast.
Despite the many rumors circulating about the story,
Swarbrick stands by Te'o.
"We believe, based on our investigation and based on 4
years of experience, that Manti is the victim in this hoax and I will continue
to believe that until I am presented with compelling evidence to the contrary,"
said Swarbrick.
FOX28's Melanie Yuill is talking to residents about what they want to hear from Te'o. Tune in tonight to FOX28 News at 10 to get reaction and the latest in this developing story.
