Larranaga addresses rumors with 'The Junkies'

After 14 seasons, Jim Larranaga parted ways with the Patriots to start a new journey with Miami. He appeared on 106.7 The Fan to answer questions about the rumors of his decision. (John Powell)

Former Mason basketball coach Jim Larranaga, who accepted the University of Miami job Friday of last week, spoke to The Junkies of 106.7 The Fan on Tuesday to address the many questions left unanswered.

While the Hurricanes were courting Coach L, rumors emerged about rifts between Larranaga and the Mason athletic department, mainly the athletic director Tom O’Connor. Other negative rumors, such as his decision being based solely on the money, also surfaced in the midst of his decision.

The Junkies gave Larranaga an opportunity to address the negativity directed at him and to discuss his future goals for Miami. He denied any hostility between himself and the athletic department and said the monetary aspect was not his top priority.

The rumors have yet to cease.

Although his resignation from Mason was sudden and he has already relocated to South Beach, he believes he is leaving the Patriots’ program in good hands.

“It’s very, very hard to leave them,” he told The Junkies about Mason, “but they know, after winning the regular season title this year, in all the ridiculously early preseason polls, they’re in the top 25. So the cupboard is not bare; the run will continue.”

Be sure to check out the transcript of Larranaga’s interview.