Darius Paul was dismissed from the Illinois basketball team last week after being arrested in France while the team was on a European trip. Tuesday he released the following statement, apologizing for his actions.
“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.
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“It is my hope that the entire Illini Nation will have a great future. Go Illini!”
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Paul, a Gurnee native and Warren Township High School product, had multiple moments of poor decision making since transferring to Illinois from Western Michigan after the 2012-13 season. After sitting out the 2013-14 season per NCAA transfer rules, he was arrested in the spring of 2014, earning a season-long suspension for the 2014-15 season. He played junior-college basketball in Texas last season before rejoining the Illini this offseason. But he was arrested on charges of public intoxication, vandalism and resisting arrest earlier this month while the team was in France. He was suspended indefinitely and immediately sent home from the trip. When the Illini returned, Paul was dismissed from the team. He never played in a game for the Illini.
Tuesday's statement was released through Paul's family. He is the younger brother of former Illini guard Brandon Paul, one of the most prolific scorers in program history.