Hours after Neal Brown, West Virginia’s head coach, addressed the media to announce Akheem Mesidor’s departure, the former Mountaineer issued his own statement on Thursday night.
Mesidor stated that the past 48 hours have been difficult and that he felt unsafe on campus at times.
Mesidor’s full statement:
“Gold and Blue Nation! Since I can recall, I have always wanted to play NCAA football. This dream became a reality in Summer 2020 when the Mountaineers opened their arms to me. Few children have the opportunity to live out their dreams. And statistically, I was from Canada. I am incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to be a Mountaineer and it’s been a privilege to serve this University as a player…
Several individuals played pivotal roles during my tenure at the University and for that I am thankful…
I would like to start by thanking God for his continuous guidance and strength…
I would also like to thank Coach Brown, Coach Lesley, Assistant Coaches and the entire football staff, Strength and Conditioning personnel, medical and academic personnel, support staff, equipment staff and video production, for investing in me and molding me…
To all the teammate I played with, I have the outmost respect for each and everyone of you!…
To my Mom, Sisters & Brother, Family, Friends, Coaches and Friends in Canada, thank-you for your unwavering support. It truly takes a village!…
After talking it over with my family, praying about it, and following my heart, my name has been officially entered into the Transfer Portal. Despite recent speculation and media attention, I have decided that I will transfer to improve my overall health and create a better environment on and off the fields. These last 48 hours were extremely difficult and challenging at times. I felt unsafe at campus. I hope you will respect my decision and support this next chapter. I’m excited for more opportunities to become a better man, teammate and player!…
God Bless You and Thank you! #90″
Thank you, Blue and Gold nation!@WVUfootball pic.twitter.com/Rvjf7fdoU9
— Akheem Mesidor (@Akheem_Mes) April 1, 2022
“I was surprised, I would even say very surprised. I love the child so Im not upset. Im not upset,” Brown said on Thursday’s impromptu media session.
Brown told the Ontario, Canada native that he had entered his information into the portal following compilation of a True Freshman All-America campaign. He leaves the Mountaineer team with 70 tackles (44 solo), six tackles and 7.5 tackles to his name.