OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Former University of Oklahoma President David Boren said Thursday that he initiated the termination of his contract with the school he led for 24 years because he felt a sexual misconduct probe was damaging the institution.

In his first public statement on the accusations, Boren said he is innocent and was tempted to continue fighting to protect his reputation.

"Last year, I came under a personal attack that was so vicious and relentless that it defied my comprehension," Boren said in a statement released by his lawyer. "As I wrote to the Regents, I felt that it was best t...