RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina State coach Dave Doeren said Tuesday he has apologized to Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher for his comments accusing the top-ranked Seminoles of faking injuries to slow down the Wolfpack’s offense.
Doeren released a statement Tuesday morning on the program’s Twitter account and extended his apology to FSU’s staff, players and fans.
“I have the utmost respect for Jimbo, his staff and his players,” Doeren said. “FSU played a great game and earned the win.”
Doeren said he left an emotional locker room after Saturday’s 56-41 loss and “took those emotions with me to the press conference,” where he first raised the issue.
He did it again Monday when asked at his weekly news conference and had made similar comments earlier this season after a win against Georgia Southern.
Fisher denied that his defensive players faked injuries and accusing Doeren “of not knowing what he’s talking about.”
N.C. State led 24-7 and 38-28 in the game before Jameis Winston and the Seminoles rallied for a program-record 20th straight win.
“It was a great college football game with tremendous plays made by both teams,” Doeren said. “That is where the focus deserves to be.”
N.C. State (4-1, 0-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) travels to Clemson this week. Florida State (4-0, 2-0) plays host to Wake Forest.
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