Ex-football players sue Iowa, alleging racial discrimination
4 years, 1 month ago

Ex-football players sue Iowa, alleging racial discrimination

Associated Press  

IOWA CITY, Iowa — A lawyer for 13 Black former Iowa football players announced Thursday that he has filed a lawsuit alleging his clients suffered racial discrimination under longtime coach Kirk Ferentz. The plaintiffs, including former star running back Akrum Wadley and career receptions leader Kevonte Martin-Manley, suffered “serious and pervasive discriminatory treatment and harassment,” according to a press release from attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons. They allege they were demeaned with racial slurs, forced to abandon Black hairstyles, fashion and culture to fit the “Iowa Way” promoted by Ferentz, and retaliated against for speaking out, the press release said. Solomon-Simmons said the lawsuit names as defendants the school, athletic director Gary Barta, Ferentz, his son and offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, assistant coach Raimond Braithwaite and former assistant coach Chris Doyle.

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History of this topic

Two more former Northwestern football players say they experienced racist treatment in early 2000s
1 year, 2 months ago

Two more former Northwestern football players say they experienced racist treatment in early 2000s

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — Two more former Northwestern University football players came forward Friday saying they experienced racist treatment during their time on the team in the early 2000s. Attorney Patrick Salvi said Herron and Lamitte are not plaintiffs in any lawsuits “as of right now.” Herron, a star running back at Northwestern from 2000 to 2004 who played in the NFL, …

Iowa will appeal suspension of Noah Shannon, who admits involvement but not charged in gambling case
1 year, 4 months ago

Iowa will appeal suspension of Noah Shannon, who admits involvement but not charged in gambling case

Associated Press  

Iowa football player Noah Shannon, who has acknowledged his involvement in sports wagering, has been suspended for the season, coach Kirk Ferentz announced Wednesday. Shannon has not been charged in the state’s criminal investigation of illegal sports wagering by athletes at Iowa and Iowa State. I think it’s punitive, me personally, and I’m hopeful they’ll reconsider his case.” Two current …

Iowa coach Ferentz says the integrity of the game cannot be compromised as betting probe unfolds
1 year, 4 months ago

Iowa coach Ferentz says the integrity of the game cannot be compromised as betting probe unfolds

Associated Press  

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! “It can’t be compromised, the integrity of the game, that’s first and foremost,” Ferentz said. “That’s got to be protected, and that’s where everything should start.” Former players Arland Bruce IV and Reggie Bracy and current player Jack Johnson were charged Thursday on suspicion of tampering …

Why this Latino football player is suing Northwestern over abuse
1 year, 5 months ago

Why this Latino football player is suing Northwestern over abuse

LA Times  

Ramon Diaz felt compelled to act after reading a letter attributed to Northwestern University’s football team, defending head coach Pat Fitzgerald in the midst of hazing allegations that they called “exaggerated and twisted into lies.” The July 8 statement described recent claims of hazing as “fabrications” intended to harm and “tarnish the reputation of our dedicated players and coaching staff.” …

A deafening silence from Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s Black football players
1 year, 5 months ago

A deafening silence from Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s Black football players

Raw Story  

Last month, I phoned Ronnie Brown at the Atlanta office of UBS, a 150-year-old wealth management company where the former Auburn University gridiron legend has made a name for himself as a big-time financial adviser. They're worried about the consequences.” Ramsey — now an actor and business owner in Los Angeles — is offended by the Alabama lawmaker’s perspectives on …

Northwestern hazing scandal included multiple sports, men and women, attorneys say
1 year, 5 months ago

Northwestern hazing scandal included multiple sports, men and women, attorneys say

Associated Press  

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! Standing with other former Northwestern athletes, former Northwestern football player Lloyd Yates speaks during a press conference addressing widespread hazing accusations at Northwestern University Wednesday, July 19, 2023, in Chicago. Standing with former Northwestern athletes, attorney Ben Crump speaks during a press conference addressing widespread hazing …

Lawyer: Black Iowa football players at risk under Ferentz
1 year, 10 months ago

Lawyer: Black Iowa football players at risk under Ferentz

Associated Press  

The attorney representing a dozen former Iowa football players who settled their racial discrimination lawsuit with the university’s athletic department for over $4 million — half of which is coming from taxpayer funds — said Tuesday that Black Hawkeyes players will continue to be at risk of harassment “as long as Kirk Ferentz is in charge.” Attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons said …

Former Utah State football player sues school, Blake Anderson for alleged retaliation, harassment
2 years, 2 months ago

Former Utah State football player sues school, Blake Anderson for alleged retaliation, harassment

New York Times  

A former Utah State football player has filed a lawsuit against the school and its head football coach, court records obtained by The Athletic show. Patrick Maddox, who played for USU from 2019-2021, alleges he experienced retaliation and harassment after releasing recordings of head coach Blake Anderson and USU police chief Earl Morris making derogatory comments about sexual assault victims. …

Iowa, facing race litigation, hires 2 new diversity staffers
2 years, 5 months ago

Iowa, facing race litigation, hires 2 new diversity staffers

Associated Press  

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Iowa hired Lorenda Holston as assistant athletic director for diversity, equity and inclusion and Anthony Embry for the newly created position of athletics academic and diversity coordinator, the university announced Friday. “These additions to our staff enhance our overall campus and athletics department commitment to DEI, while working with our student-athletes and staff as we continue …

Flores lawyer: Unconscionable for Goodell to arbitrate suit
2 years, 8 months ago

Flores lawyer: Unconscionable for Goodell to arbitrate suit

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — A lawyer for a Black NFL coach who sued the league alleging racist hiring practices told a judge Monday that arbitration is the wrong way to resolve the lawsuit in part because NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell would be the arbitrator and that would be “unconscionable.” Attorney Douglas Wigdor said the league was trying to force “behind closed …

2 more Black coaches sue NFL alleging racial discrimination
2 years, 9 months ago

2 more Black coaches sue NFL alleging racial discrimination

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Two Black coaches joined Brian Flores on Thursday in his lawsuit alleging racist hiring practices by the NFL when there are vacancies for coaches and general managers. The lawsuit said Wilks was discriminated against by the Arizona Cardinals in 2018 when he was hired as a “bridge coach” but was given no meaningful chance to succeed, while …

2 more Black coaches sue NFL alleging racial discrimination
2 years, 9 months ago

2 more Black coaches sue NFL alleging racial discrimination

The Independent  

Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Two Black coaches joined Brian Flores on Thursday …

Court: Black ex-Hawkeyes can proceed with parts of lawsuit
3 years, 8 months ago

Court: Black ex-Hawkeyes can proceed with parts of lawsuit

Associated Press  

DES MOINES, Iowa — A federal lawsuit brought by a group of former Iowa football players alleging staff members mistreated Black players will move forward, but all or parts of some of the allegations were thrown out Thursday. Offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz and former strength coach Chris Doyle remain the focal points of the lawsuit filed in Iowa’s southern district. …

Iowa says it won’t pay ex-players’ demand for $20 million
4 years, 2 months ago

Iowa says it won’t pay ex-players’ demand for $20 million

Associated Press  

The University of Iowa said it would not pay a demand from eight Black former football players for $20 million in compensation for alleged racial discrimination they faced playeingfor the Hawkeyes. However, the university rejects the demands for money and personnel changes.” The university in June hired the Husch Blackwell law firm to review the football program after dozens of …

Inquiry finds racial bias, bullying in Iowa football program
4 years, 5 months ago

Inquiry finds racial bias, bullying in Iowa football program

Associated Press  

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Facing a scathing report that detailed racial bias against Black players in his program and bullying behavior by some of his assistants, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said Thursday he would not be making any staffing changes as he apologized and promised to overhaul some of his policies. University of Iowa President Bruce Harreld said the critical …

Doyle out as Iowa strength coach; Barta standing by Ferentz
4 years, 6 months ago

Doyle out as Iowa strength coach; Barta standing by Ferentz

Associated Press  

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Iowa athletic director Gary Barta gave a vote of confidence to longtime football coach Kirk Ferentz on Monday after deciding to cut ties with a strength coach accused of mistreating African American players. “One thing I wanted to do, and it’s really important to me, is to say I’m sorry to former student-athletes, coaches, staff, current …

Iowa strength coach denies ‘unethical behavior or bias’
4 years, 7 months ago

Iowa strength coach denies ‘unethical behavior or bias’

Associated Press  

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Iowa football strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle denies any “unethical behavior or bias” based on race after being accused by several former players of contributing to what they allege is systemic racism in the program. Doyle was placed on administrative leave Saturday, part of a decision made by coach Kirk Ferentz in what he called …

Ex-NC State coach’s attorneys question fairness of NCAA case
5 years ago

Ex-NC State coach’s attorneys question fairness of NCAA case

Associated Press  

RALEIGH, N.C. — Attorneys for former North Carolina State coach Mark Gottfried are questioning the fairness of the NCAA process after he was charged with failing to adequately monitor the Wolfpack men’s basketball program for violations, including during the recruitment of former basketball star Dennis Smith Jr. In a response to NCAA charges filed over the summer, the attorneys say …

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