Rich Rodriguez: I Cheated On My Wife, But I Didn't Sexually Harass Employee

Bombshell after bombshell out of Tucson, Arizona Tuesday night ... where Rich Rodriguez was fired as the head football coach -- and moments later, he put out a statement denying he sexually harassed his former assistant.

But in the statement, RichRod says one claim against him is true -- he cheated on his wife.

"I was deeply disappointed to learn by email this evening that the University of Arizona is buying out my contract," Rodriguez said in a statement.

"This action comes on the heels of an outside investigation by the University into alleged workplace misconduct. This investigation concerned a complaint by my former administrative assistant, who threatened a $7.5 million lawsuit alleging harassment."

"The University initiated a thorough outside investigation. I fully cooperated with the investigation, including voluntarily taking and passing a polygraph. The University determined that there was no truth to her accusations and found me innocent of wrongdoing."

Then Rodriguez addressed the adultery ...

"Regrettably, the complaint included a single truth -- in the past, I had a consensual extramarital affair with a woman who is not affiliated with the University. It was wrong, and I have apologized to my wife and family."

"I am still working incredibly hard to repair the bonds I've broken and regain the trust of my wife and children, whom I love dearly."

"I am not a perfect man, but the claims by my former assistant are simply not true and her demands for a financial settlement are outrageous. I am saddened that these accusations and investigation have caused my family additional stress."

He adds, "I will vigorously fight these fabricated and groundless claims."

Rodriguez will reportedly receive a $6 million buyout from the University.

Rich's former assistant essentially claims the coach ordered her cover up his affair -- which included lying to his wife about his whereabouts, this according to the Arizona Daily Star.