Mike Petke Offers First Public Comment Since Suspension, Firing
Aug 13, 2019, 11:13 AM
Head coach Mike Petke of Real Salt Lake gestures on the sideline during the International friendly game against Manchester United at Rio Tinto Stadium on July 17, 2017 in Sandy, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
SANDY, Utah – Mike Petke has addressed the public for the first time since being suspended and ultimately fired albeit via a tweet.
The 43-year-old New Jersey Native was in the middle of his third season with Real Salt Lake, before his temper got in the way and his contract was terminated effective immediately.
Since the 24th of July, the night of the incident, the fans have been open about expressing their thoughts and opinions on the matter.
Petke has been forced to maintain his silence as he was undergoing a club imposed suspension that involved no public speaking on the matter until after the suspension was over.
The suspension was cut short when it turned into termination.
For those of you that are unaware of the situation, you can read more about it here: RSL Suspends Head Coach Mike Petke For Three Games.
— @petkemike (@petkemike) August 13, 2019
Now that you have had a chance to read Petke’s statement, let’s break it down.
Petke clearly indicated his love and appreciation for his former players and coaching staff. He wished them the best “in their pursuit of a place in the postseason.”
However, he quickly moved on and to address “the incident”. He has, according to him, already apologized to referee John Pitti and the other officials that were involved.
Strangely, he did not offer a further apology to the fans for using the Spanish word that caused fans and the club embarrassment. In fact, he stated that his “actions have been misinterpreted or twisted,” and that he has “always respected the rights of all individuals and always will.”
He did, however, admit to losing his temper and showing poor judgment.
The most confusing sentence in the entire statement read “team ownership and I will have the chance to discuss the club’s decision in a forum in the future.”
After speaking with club officials, they do not know what Petke is talking about and offer no further comment on the said “forum”.
Lastly, Petke thanked the RSL faithful and the people of Salt Lake City.
Some of his former players have shown their support for their former head coach.
— Nick Rimando (@NickRimando) August 13, 2019
