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Former College of the Redwoods men’s basketball head coach Aaron Hungerford has admitted his actions on Christmas Eve were stupid, while issuing a public apology to his family, his players and the school.

“First and foremost, it was completely my fault in terms of the way it transpired,” he said early Monday afternoon. “I was definitely in the wrong and shouldn’t have put myself in that position.”

Hungerford was let go by the school on Thursday after being arrested early last week and charged with a DUI.

He was in his second year with the program after previously coaching the CR women’s team for one year.

“I want to apologize firstly to my family. I’m extremely disappointed in myself,” Hungerford said.

“And secondly, I want to apologize to my team. I love my guys. They are a special team. We didn’t win much this year, but I enjoyed going to work every day to see these guys, and I really let them down.

“If there’s anything I can teach them from this, it’s don’t do what I did. I feel terrible and embarrassed for my actions.

“And lastly, I want to apologize to the school. The administration backed me in my drive and I really let down my colleagues.”

Hungerford apologized in particular to CR Athletic Director Bob Brown.

“It was stupid,” he added.

CR women’s basketball assistant coach Darren Turpin will take over the men’s team on an interim basis until the end of the season, with help from women’s head coach Jain Tuey.

“Coach Turpin and coach Tuey are more than capable,” Hungerford said. “I wish them the most success, and hope they can enjoy the team as much as I did.”

Turpin will also continue to assist Tuey with the women’s team.

Hungerford added he intends to spend more time with his family while figuring out his future options.

He admits, however, he will coach again in some capacity, although it’s not a priority right now.

“I’ve been in this community for over half my life, and this community has always backed me,” he said. “And I want to continue to give back in any way I can.

“I’m always going to be a coach. I’m always going to coach something.

“But for right now, coaching isn’t on my mind. I want to spend more time with my family.”

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Ray Hamill writes at humboldtsports.com, where you can read lots more about sports in Humboldt County.