University of Hawaii President David Lassner spoke publicly at the scheduled Board of Regents meeting on Thursday, addressing the dismissal of Craig Angelos as Athletics Director for the first time. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Lassner, who is retiring on December 31, spoke against online rumors and conspiracies, denying accusations of a department coup to oust Angelos. He cited overall performance but did not got into detail, expressing that he made the decision that he felt was best for the University, acknowledging that he felt that since hiring Angelos was his decision, it would not be right to leave what he felt was a problem for the next president to solve. Many frustrated with Angelos ousting as UH Athletics Director "I have been at the center of many difficult decisions and many controversies in my 11 years as president. And while I regret the shameful leaks, lies and vicious attacks that have characterized this situation, I say honestly and with my head held high to the regents, to all of you here, to the athletic department, to the university, and to the public," said Lassner. "I have never done anything but act in a way that I truly believe to be in the best interests of this university that I love. And this action was no different." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rob DeMello KHON (@robdemello) University of Hawaii releases statement on Angelos ousting Lassner's public statement was over 15 minutes long and came following public testimony from student-athletes that spoke out against Lassner's decision. Video of Lassner's statement will be available both on the KHON2 YouTube Channel and at the top of the page very soon. Find more Hawaii, Oahu, Maui and Kauai news here Stay with KHON2 for continuing coverage, which will include a report on the KHON2 News at 4p, 6p, 7p, 9p, and 10p.