Memphis’ West calls reports “boldface lie”

Memphis head football coach Tommy West is attacking reports that he accepted a buyout and would step down at the end of the season ferociously.  In fact, he’s come out swinging, going after the reports, started by our friends at HardKnoxSports.com.  Here’s what he had to say on WREC-AM 600 in Memphis yesterday:

I can’t control what goes on outside . . . I’m extremely proud of a football team for putting everything that’s been said outside behind them and not paying any attention to it and working to try and win a game, regardless of the distractions. And that’s what this is. It’s a distraction for a football team. . . . I guess somebody reported I had agreed to a buyout last night. For those people that would like for that to happen let me make sure you understand. I have never quit anything in my life and I will not quit this.

(on his critics) I can’t worry about people that aren’t in the arena with me. I feel kind of sorry for some people. They get their kicks by going on the Internet without a name or a face or anything and telling lies. This (talk of a buyout) is a boldface lie.

I’m glad to be the coach at Memphis and I intend on being the coach at Memphis.

We’ll see.  Sometimes these things work out the way they’re reported.  I mean, seriously- there’s no way he can admit to this and if he stays quiet, it’s like an admission.  Plus, all coaches are good with the lie.  It’s often their number one audible.