Darius Paul issues statement following his dismissal from Illinois

Former Fighting Illini forward Darius Paul apologized to the university, his teammates, and his family in a written statement on Tuesday. Paul was dismissed from the basketball program on Friday after being arrested and charged with vandalism, public intoxication, and resisting arrest during the team's exhibition trip in France.

Statement from Darius Paul:

After two years with Illinois, my main goals were to proudly wear the orange and blue jersey, play high level basketball and be a good citizen. But my actions and decisions played out differently. I apologize to my family, coaches, teammates and the entire Illini Nation. I let my teammates down--who only believed in me through all of this. We were a family. I apologize to the coaches who begged me to stay on the right path and gave me a second chance to succeed. I apologize to the athletic department for not keeping promises that I made and I apologize to the Illini nation for not being able to contribute to the long historic run of Illinois basketball greatness.

Finally, I just want to say that I am really sorry to my family. I put my family through a lot and I hope they will see a day where I am back making positive decisions that will help my family and not hurt them. I am truly sorry and hope my family and everyone who affiliates themselves with [the University of Illinois] will forgive me for my actions.

It is my hope that the entire Illini Nation will have a great future. Go Illini!

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