TUSCALOOSA (AP) — Former University of Alabama President Guy Bailey says he resigned because his ill wife would drive herself to meet the social obligations of being a president's wife and that would put her life at risk.

Bailey told al.com that he could not allow his wife to do that. Bailey's wife has battled cancer and has complications from surgery that have impaired her ability to absorb nutrients in food. Bailey said her health and her limitations were understood at Texas Tech University, where he served as president before moving to Alabama. But he said there was a mistaken expectation by some at Alabama that his wife would carry out some social duties.

Bailey resigned in late October after 58 days on the job.