JJ Quinerly Issues Public Apology to WVU Head Coach Mark Kellogg After False Accusation…

JJ Quinerly Issues Public Apology to WVU Head Coach Mark Kellogg After False Accusation…

 

Morgantown, W\.Va. — In a significant development that has drawn attention across the collegiate basketball world, West Virginia University star guard JJ Quinerly has issued a public apology to head coach Mark Kellogg, acknowledging that a recent accusation made against him was both unfounded and regrettable.

 

The apology, delivered through a written statement released Monday, marks a dramatic turn in what had been a tense and uncertain period for the WVU women’s basketball program. Just weeks prior, Quinerly had accused Coach Kellogg of inappropriate conduct—an allegation that prompted internal reviews and widespread speculation about the stability of the team.

 

“I want to publicly and sincerely apologize to Coach Mark Kellogg for the stress, confusion, and reputational harm caused by my actions,” Quinerly stated. “After reflecting deeply and speaking with my family and university officials, I now understand that my claims were not based on truth, and I take full responsibility for the damage caused.”

 

Coach Kellogg, who was appointed head coach of the Mountaineers in April 2023, has maintained his innocence since the initial claims emerged. Following Quinerly’s apology, Kellogg released a brief statement emphasizing forgiveness and the importance of moving forward.

 

“I appreciate JJ’s apology and understand that emotions can sometimes lead to misguided actions,” Kellogg said. “I’ve always believed in building trust, accountability, and growth—on and off the court. I hope this moment serves as a step toward healing for all involved.”

 

The allegations had cast a shadow over what had otherwise been a promising season for the Mountaineers under Kellogg’s leadership. Quinerly, a standout performer and team leader, had initially expressed frustration over what she described as a “toxic environment” under the new coaching staff—a claim that briefly rocked the program and led to public calls for clarity from both fans and university officials.

 

Following an internal investigation by WVU’s athletic department, no evidence was found to support the accusations. The university refrained from disciplinary action, instead focusing on mediation and dialogue within the team. Sources close to the program described multiple meetings between Quinerly, Kellogg, and team counselors in the days leading up to the apology.

 

Athletic Director Wren Baker also weighed in, commending both parties for engaging in a resolution process.

 

“This situation was painful, but I’m proud of how Coach Kellogg and JJ handled themselves in the end,” Baker said. “We remain committed to maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment for all our student-athletes and staff.”

 

The university has not indicated whether any further actions will be taken, but team insiders suggest the focus has now shifted to rebuilding trust ahead of next season.

 

For JJ Quinerly, the apology is seen as an attempt to repair relationships and refocus on her collegiate career. Whether she will remain with the Mountaineers remains uncertain, but her statement concluded with a message of personal growth:

 

“I’ve learned from this, and I’m committed to becoming a better teammate and a better person.”