Philadelphia Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault explained his comments from Thursday that he had no idea what was going on in the outside world when asked about Jacob Blake and what was happening in the National Basketball Association and around the rest of the sports world. Vigneault added he was guilty of not checking what was going on in the NBA at the time but is a good person.

Vigneault, who did not address the media Friday, read a prepared statement in his Zoom call with reporters Saturday.

"In life I answer to my parents. I answer to my family. I answer to my friends and I answer to God. Everyone that I just mentioned knows that what I’ve said since our postgame on Wednesday is the truth. My honesty, my integrity, my social commitment, for some reason, has been pushed to the forefront. 

"After our last game against the New York Islanders I was asked about the situation in the NBA. We had played a 3 o'clock game, I didn’t know what was going on so I didn't comment. We got back that night at 6:15 at the hotel. I picked up some food, had a martini and went to my room to work. We were playing in less than 24 hours. I worked late into the night, got up very early the next morning, continued to work. I conducted my 10:30 to 11:45 coaches meeting. At 11:45 I went to get COVID tested. At 12 o'clock I was back here for the press conference. 

"I never bothered to ask or check with anyone what was going on in the world or the NBA. I am guilty of that. I was totally focused on our next game. Like I said at the 12 o'clock press conference, I am for equality. I am for social justice. 

"After that press conference, I went to our pre-game meal. I left there around 12:35 and as I walked out I saw players from the four teams that are in the bubble talking. That was my first indication that something was going on. Shortly, very shortly after that, I received a text from one of my players telling me that they were not playing that evening. 

"I am guilty of not checking up on what was going on the world and the NBA, but I am a good person. I believe in equality. I believe in social justice. I want to be part of the solution. I want to help society in any way I can. 

"To all of the people that have texted me and called me in the last 48 hours to show their support, I want to say, ‘Thank you and continue to stay safe.' To all of the people in the last 48 hours that have questioned my honesty, questioned my integrity, questioned my social commitment, I want to say, 'You, also, stay safe.'

"You know, we all have our part to do moving forward to help society fix its issues. Maybe we can all start by being good to one another. Society is like a big team, everyone has a role to play. If we work together and do our roles, I am convinced that we can fix society's issues. 

"I want to thank everyone for being here. Everyone stay safe and that concludes today's press conference. Thank you."