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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Barnes bids farewell to Texas basketball program

 (Associated Press)

An emotional Rick Barnes fought back tears in saying goodbye to Texas after 17 years Sunday, insisting he’s grateful for his time with Longhorns and isn’t bitter about being fired. “The wins and losses are fleeting, but it’s the relationships that matter,” Barnes said at a 40-minute farewell news conference. “We know as a coach, this whole thing is about players. We’ve been blessed as a staff here to have so many players who have affected our lives.” But Barnes also revealed that he had been told by athletic director Steve Patterson that he would be back for another season after Texas lost to Butler in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. “Some things changed,” Barnes said. Barnes confirmed Patterson told him a few days ago he had to fire staff or be fired himself. – AP