The following statement was released by Jimmy Crosby on Sunday afternoon. The full statement is posted below.
The Telegraph has offered me the opportunity to respond to the investigation. My first instinct was to go through it piece by piece pointing out what was clearly false and explaining the many parts that are misleading or have another side to the story. After wrestling with this, I don’t believe we could ever come close to the truth without knowing who is making the allegations, under oath, in order to evaluate motive, which can probably only be accomplished by way of litigation.
With that being said, I must address two of the most inflammatory sections: First is the section on the language used in conversation with Drew when I became frustrated or angry. The investigator, at one point, asked me if I thought the language was “ professional.” I shared the following story with her: When I came home from college one day, at the dinner table, I used the word “pregnant.” And my father corrected me and said, “Son, I think you can find a better word than that to use at the dinner table in front of your mother.”
So, were the words “professional?” No, but sadly, they are words used today, I’ve noticed, more and more by professionals in certain situations, often under stress or when frustrated. Because of my age and rearing, I’m uncomfortable, and feel shame when my usage of these words is called to my attention.
This section I had anticipated being an embarrassment because it happened. It was unbecoming of me and it is that of which I am so ashamed.
What I didn’t anticipate was a section on sexual harassment. That section is simply not true. I denied making those comments to the investigator and I still deny making them.
I conclude by saying the Lord has blessed me, as unworthy as I am, yet I continue to fail Him. Bridling my tongue and controlling my ego will be work enough for what time I may have left.
