Boren maintains innocence, says probe damaging to OU

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Former University of Oklahoma President David Boren says he severed ties with the university he led for 24 years because he felt an ongoing sexual misconduct probe was damaging the institution.

In a statement released by his attorney on Thursday, Boren maintains he is innocent of any wrongdoing and that he was tempted to continue fighting to protect his reputation.

A former OU student alleges Boren touched and kissed him inappropriately on several occasions almost a decade ago when the man worked as Boren’s teaching aide.

Boren described the allegations against him as a “personal attack that was so vicious and relentless that it defied my comprehension.”

The OU Regents announced Wednesday Boren terminated his contract, which ended the university’s probe .

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation also is investigating.