"With the controversy swirling around the timing of the decision to cut David Garrard Tuesday after attending the Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Smith explained how it went down in an email to the Times-Union.

"Ultimately, it was my decision,'' Smith said.

He added, "Clearly, I am not proud of how things played out on Tuesday and our players deserve better, but I think to understand the situation, you need to know the facts."