Iowa places strength coach on leave after ex-players reveal culture issues
Iowa has placed strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle on administrative leave after a number of former football players spoke out against unfair treatment during their time with the program.
"This is a defining moment for the Iowa Hawkeye football program," head coach Kirk Ferentz said. "Over the past 24 hours, I've seen some difficult and heartbreaking posts on social media."
"This is a process that's going to take some time, but change, again, starts by listening first," he added.
This is a defining moment for the Iowa Hawkeye Football program: pic.twitter.com/ckEH39QVki
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) June 6, 2020
A collection of ex-Hawkeyes took to Twitter on Friday to voice concerns about Doyle, citing culture issues within the team and mistreatment.
There are too many racial disparities in the Iowa football program. Black players have been treated unfairly for far too long.
— James Daniels (@jamsdans) June 6, 2020
Thank you James!! I remember when I used to wear my tank tops in the facility, I used to get called in the coaches office because I had too much tattoos and it wasn’t the “Iowa culture” or the “Iowa Way”. https://t.co/gYMtSDTMKR
— HaitianQ (@__haitianprince) June 6, 2020
— Emmanuel Rugamba (@BooRadd_) June 6, 2020
I got kicked out of workouts because my shoes weren’t tied properly. Lol
— Jaleel Johnson (@leellxvii) June 6, 2020
I remember whenever walking into the facility it would be difficult for black players to walk around the facility and be themselves. As if the way you grew up was the wrong way or wasn’t acceptable & that you would be judge by that and it would impact playing time.
— Amani Hooker (@amanihooker37) June 6, 2020
The torrent of comments led Ferentz to release a statement Friday night, but action wasn't immediately taken. The coach announced Saturday he would form an advisory committee, hoping to achieve a more stable culture at Iowa.
Doyle is the highest-paid strength coach in the country, making $800,000 in base salary, according to Chad Leistikow of the Des Moines Register.
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