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Statement from Mark Samson

As you know, I recently resigned my position as the head football coach at Montana State University-Northern. The decision to resign was not easy, but I felt it was in the best interest of myself, my family and MSU-Northern.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the current members of the MSU-Northern Football team, as well as all of the fans who have shown their support for me during my tenure as head football coach at MSU-Northern. I am both lucky and blessed to have been able to work with an outstanding group of young men who played for me during my time at Northern. All of the characteristics that coaches look for in their players — loyalty, honesty, hardworking, and “team first” approach are embodied by current and past members of the Lights’ Football team.

My resignation was the result of a mistake in judgment on my part that has now cost me the opportunity to continue as head coach of the Lights. During our recent summer youth football camp held this past June, I placed some monies generated from camp registration fees into an off campus account. Those funds should have been deposited into an account controlled solely by MSU-Northern. In recent weeks, an investigation by university personnel revealed a discrepancy in funds deposited into the state account compared to past years, which led to a further investigation related to the football camp and where certain funds were deposited.

Since the discrepancy was brought to my attention by school officials, I have done my best to cooperate with their review and have produced all records and paperwork related to the off campus account. All money that was deposited and spent was accounted for, as well as money still remaining in the account. The majority of money from this account was used to pay the coaches who assisted me in running the camp, as well as payment to myself. This account has been closed and the university has all account records and money remaining in the account.

My intent was not malicious in nature. The use of an account not controlled by MSU-Northern was a violation of school policy. I have acknowledged since the outset of the school’s investigation that my actions were wrong and I accept full responsibility for the same. I regret that the end of my coaching career at MSU-Northern was caused by a lapse of judgment on my part. I know that I have disappointed many people, including my family, and the many players, support staff and fans who are involved in Lights’ Football.

It is easy in these types of situations to point fingers, make excuses and lay blame on others. It is my hope that the players, parents and fans of the Lights’ football program will rise above this and focus on the task at hand, which is to take pride in MSU-Northern football, work hard to prepare for the upcoming football season and continue to be supportive of one another.

Thank you

Mark Samson

 
 

Reader Comments(4)

Rick writes:

Eagle II why would you even bring up Rocky Boy here?? There was 50-60 dollars misplaced here which could have been expensed wrong or whatever I dont know 100 percent the whole story. But thats ridiculous to compare this or even mention it in the same sentence as to what has happened in Rocky Boy!!

thankyou writes:

I do not know this man. Based on this letter I will say he appears to be an honorable person. Whoever he coaches, teaches or influences in the future will be lucky.

EagleII writes:

KUDOS TO YOU COACH! Your letter and admission of mistakes shows how much integrity you have. You're owning the error. It's unfortunate that most people cannot do so. A prime example are those responsible for millions in stolen money from Rocky Boy. I wish you only the very best and the best for your family. God bless.

football1 writes:

Coach Samson is a great man and coach. Thank you for all the time you have sacrificed for the young men in your program. Wishing you all the best in the future.

 
 
 
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