Kenny Dillingham Issues Emotional Apology to Sam Leavitt, Walks Back Comments About Leaving Arizona State
In an emotional press conference on February 9, 2025, Arizona State football head coach Kenny Dillingham issued a heartfelt apology to freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt after remarks he made earlier this week sparked controversy. Dillingham’s comments, suggesting that Leavitt could leave the program due to potential playing time issues, drew significant backlash from fans, media, and players alike.
“I made a mistake, and I want to sincerely apologize to Sam,” Dillingham said, his voice filled with regret. “Sam is an incredible young man, and I never intended to hurt him or question his commitment to this team. I was wrong to speak in those terms, and I’ve learned a valuable lesson in how to communicate with my players.”
The controversy began when Dillingham, in a candid interview, seemed to imply that Leavitt, who had shown promise early in his college career, might face challenges securing a starting position if the team’s roster changes in the offseason. The comment stirred frustration, as many felt it undermined Leavitt’s potential and left his future with the team uncertain.
Leavitt, who had been a standout during his high school career, took the comments in stride but noted the strain it had caused on his relationship with his coach. “I appreciate Coach Dillingham’s apology,” Leavitt stated later. “We’ve spoken privately, and I understand that emotions sometimes cloud judgment. We’re moving forward.”
In his apology, Dillingham acknowledged that his words were poorly chosen and out of line with the supportive, transparent culture he strives to foster at Arizona State. “It’s important that I lead with integrity, and that includes holding myself accountable when I miss the mark,” he added.
The incident has cast a temporary shadow over what was otherwise a promising start to Dillingham’s tenure as head coach. Despite the apology, many are closely watching how the team moves forward and how Dillingham will rebuild trust within the locker room.
The relationship between Leavitt and Dillingham will be a crucial dynamic in the coming months as Arizona State looks to build for the future, with the quarterback position expected to be a key area of competition. Dillingham’s handling of the situation will likely play a large role in how the Sun Devils perform in 2025.
As of now, both Dillingham and Leavitt are focused on putting the incident behind them and working toward a strong spring training. “We’re a team,” Dillingham concluded. “And that means we support each other, especially when things don’t go as planned.”