Tucson, AZ (My Sportsbook) - University of Arizona head football coach John Mackovic discussed several issues relating to Wildcat football at a Wednesday afternoon press conference.

Mackovic addressed the fact that 41 of his football players had a private meeting with school president Peter Likins on Tuesday without his knowledge.

The players had been unhappy with how Mackovic was running the team.

The coach had a 90-minute meeting Tuesday evening with athletic director Jim Livengood and felt the two men came to a mutual understanding over the team's concerns.

Mackovic met with Arizona players for about 90 minutes on Wednesday afternoon, and allowed them to speak with him on anything that was bothering them.

"I was wrong in addressing the team as I did," Mackovic said. "I failed to correct the situation the next day and allowed it to fester for these weeks. I am sorrowful for my actions and my inactions."

He apologized to his team for the way he has been treating his players, including comments he made after the team's loss to Wisconsin on September 21, and he hopes for forgiveness.

"Some of them obviously are supportive of that, and others I feel aren't that supportive," Mackovic said. "All I can pledge at this point is that I will do anything and everything possible to restore the pride and dignity in our program."

Mackovic announced that the team's practices will be closed to avoid further distraction among the team.

The 59-year-old Mackovic, is in his second year as Arizona's head coach. The Wildcats have lost six straight games and are 3-7 this season, including 0-6 in Pac-10 play. Mackovic has compiled an overall record of 8-13, including 2-12 in the conference while at Arizona.