Coach JACKIE SHERRILL apologized yesterday for allowing the castration of a bull in front of his Mississippi State football team, and the school's president promised that such an incident would not occur again.

"Even though I was not involved in the procedure that took place, I take responsibility," Sherrill told his weekly news conference. "If this incident was in any way not perceived as proper by those who love Mississippi State, then I apologize."

The bull was castrated in front of the team on a practice field before Mississippi State defeated the Texas Longhorns, 28-10, on Sept. 5. Later, Sherrill said he allowed the procedure because it was educational and motivational.