Calm down, Internet. Sister Jean left early to greet players in the tunnel, like always
SAN ANTONIO — Critics pounced Saturday night when Sister Jean left her seat at the Alamodome with about about two minutes left in Loyola-Chicago’s 69-57 loss to Michigan at the Final Four.
“I cannot believe anyone would insinuate she gave up on these kids," Bill Behrns, assistant athletic director for communications at Loyola, told Paste BN Sports by email Sunday. “How utterly disgusting."
Turns out there was good reason for the 98-year-old nun’s early exit, according to Behrns. She wanted to be in position by the tunnel to greet the players as they left the court.
“Just as she has for every other game, win or lose," he said.
Indeed, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, Loyola’s team chaplain, hugged and consoled the players, each who leaned down to embrace the spirited woman in the wheelchair.