Ex-Boise State coach says he told Baylor's Briles about Ukwuachu's past

Baylor head coach Art Briles says he had no knowledge of Sam Ukwuachu's past prior to the defensive end's transfer from Boise State, but former Boise State head coach Chris Petersen disagrees.

Ukwuachu was found guilty of sexual assault on Thursday after an incident involving a former Baylor soccer player in 2013. According to reports from the trial, the woman testified that Ukwuachu assaulted her at his apartment.

"I talked with Chris Petersen personally," Briles told Max Olson of ESPN. "No mention of anything beyond Sam being depressed, needing to come home. It's unfortunate for everybody concerned. That's really about it."

However, Petersen released a statement through ESPN on Friday, saying that Briles was fully aware of the situation.

"After Sam Ukwuachu was dismissed from the Boise State football program and expressed an interest in transferring to Baylor, I initiated a call with coach Art Briles," Petersen said. "In that conversation, I thoroughly apprised Coach Briles of the circumstances surrounding Sam's disciplinary record and dismissal."

Briles reiterated his denial when asked directly about his knowledge of Ukwuachu's history.

"No. No. That's not true," Briles said. "Lord, no. No, there's no truth. Find out who informed us and talk to them, please."

Later Friday, Baylor announced it would be opening an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case and the actions taken by the parties involved.

Ukwuachu was dismissed by the Broncos in 2013 for what was called a violation of team rules, but was ineligible to play for Baylor until last season. He was ultimately suspended for all of 2014.

A former girlfriend of Ukwuachu at Boise State has also claimed he acted violently towards her. She testified at his sexual assault trial that he'd struck her several times in the past and has a violent temper.

"Our timeline was followed by what the standards were here," Briles said. "When the incident happened, he's off the roster. Never played a down for us. So it's a very unfortunate situation for all concerned. That's all I've got to say about it."