A day after his dismissal as Michigan State’s athletic director was announced, Alan Haller provided a response. Haller, who spent less than four years in the role, defended his track record while noting a rift with people of “significant influence” in a statement issued on Friday afternoon. “I have been deeply humbled by the outpouring of support I’ve received over the past 24 hours – from family, friends, colleagues, students, alumni, and donors,” Haller wrote. “Your messages and calls have meant more than I can express. “Throughout my career, I have consistently spoken up when I believed something was not right – always guided by a commitment to protect students and uphold the best interests of the University. At times, those decisions have not aligned with individuals in positions of significant influence. “Although I am deeply saddened to be leaving the University, I am proud of my record and the lasting impact of my work. As I continue to process this decision, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Spartan community for their unwavering support.” Haller, a Lansing native, was a standout defensive back who also ran track for the Spartans before playing three seasons in the NFL. He spent more than a decade working for the university police prior to joining the athletic department in 2010 and rising the ranks before being named athletic director on Sept. 1, 2021. Michigan State president Kevin Guskiewicz, who is a little more than a year into his tenure, announced Haller’s firing in a press release on Thursday. His last day is May 11 and basketball coach Tom Izzo and deputy athletic director Jennifer Smith will serve as co-interim athletic directors as Guskiewicz conducts a search for the next leader of the department. The statement Haller released on Friday came through Blanchard & Walker PLLC, a law firm based in Ann Arbor. Haller’s five-year contract doesn’t expire until Sept. 1, 2026. “Serving as Vice President and Director of Athletics at Michigan State University has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Haller wrote. “For 32 years I have been a Spartan – first as a student-athlete in track and football, then as a Police Officer, and later in various leadership roles with Spartan athletics. “To the student-athletes: THANK YOU for allowing me the privilege of serving as your athletic director. It has been an incredible journey – and yes, it has been FUN! Supporting your success has never been just a job; it was my responsibility and my joy to help create an environment where you could thrive and become the best version of yourselves.” Haller’s tenure as athletic director coincided with ongoing massive changes to college athletics, from players being allowed to profit from their name, image and likeness to unlimited transfers. The NCAA agreed to pay $2.8 billion in a yet-to-be-approved House settlement that would allow schools to compensate players directly. With universities preparing to shell out up to $20.5 million to athletes annually, the need for athletic directors to raise money is more important than ever. During Haller’s tenure, Michigan State won Big Ten titles in men’s basketball, hockey, women’s cross country, women’s soccer and women’s gymnastics. Meanwhile, the football program posted a losing record four of the last five years and coach Jonathan Smith is coming off a 5-7 mark in his debut season. “I am deeply grateful to my colleagues who stood alongside me,” Haller wrote. “Together, we navigated some of the most difficult challenges in our history and celebrated some of our most meaningful victories. Leading Spartan Athletics through both has been a highlight of my professional life. “My parents taught me our actions should always be motivated by love. Serving this University and this community has been, for me, an act of love. “I remain a proud Spartan. Goodbye Michigan State “Always and forever – Go Green!”