Tolbert follows Thigpen with letter to CCU president and trustees

A day after former Coastal Carolina quarterback Tyler Thigpen sent a long strongly-worded open letter to university president David DeCenzo and the school’s Board of Trustees in regard to the dismissal of longtime CCU football coach David Bennett, another prominent former Chanticleers standout followed suit Saturday.

San Diego Chargers running back Mike Tolbert was much shorter and less biting in his words, but he too expressed his dissatisfaction in the decision to replace Bennett.

The letter was passed along to local media by Joel Turner, the agent for both players.

“Coach Bennett and that coaching staff were more than coaches. They were and still are family,” Tolbert wrote. “I’m deeply disappointed in the way that this came about and for the 1st time since I signed a scholarship in 2004 to play for Coach Bennett and CCU, I’m ashamed to call myself a Chanticleer.”

CCU athletic director Hunter Yurachek declined comment Saturday night through associate athletic director for media relations Mike Cawood, saying he hadn’t read either player’s letter.

Bennett was asked about the letters Saturday after coaching in the FCS Senior Scout Bowl at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium. He spoke only generally about the support he has received and avoided talking specifically about the strong words of his former players.

“This whole community right here is a very, very special place,” Bennett said. “We love it here, and we love the people here. The thing is, one day at a time. You just sometimes need to stop for a moment, look around and count the blessings that we have. That’s just the way it is, I guess. It’s just a special place. We’re blessed to be a part of this community.”

In response to a follow-up question, he added, “In coaching, in sports, it’s one of the few places you hug a man and tell him you love him, you know. We have a strong love for one another.”

Tolbert used most of his letter to express his appreciation for Bennett and the CCU coaching staff while thanking them for the role they played in his development – personally and professionally.

“The coaching staff that is leaving preached GOD and family 1st, school 2nd, and football 3rd,” Tolbert wrote. “That way of thinking turned me into the man I am today. A very successful person that has a wife that I adore and a newborn baby girl. I’d be completely happy if I’m able to teach my children half of what Coach Bennett taught me. To Coach Bennett, I’m a real DOG and I’ll always be one because of you.”

Bennett, who was relieved of his coaching duties last week after nine seasons, acknowledged that his wife Melanie had read Thigpen’s letter to him Friday night, and while he hadn’t seen Tolbert’s words yet Saturday afternoon, he expected to read the letter at some point.

“I’m sure I will. I’m sure I will,” he said. “I’ll tell you what – Coastal is a special place. It’s a very special place.”