Hunter
07/30/20
Iowa Athletics held a news conference Thursday to discuss the findings of the external review of the University of Iowa’s football program.
A 28-page report from Husch Blackwell was published Thursday morning. The law firm interviewed 111 individuals, including 45 current and 29 former members of the football team, and 36 current and former employees.
The report states, “The interviews revealed that the Iowa football program has historically adhered to a philosophy (the “Iowa Way”) that mandates uniformity and discourages individualism. Many Black players expressed difficulty adjusting to the program’s culture as a result, explaining that they were
required to conform to a “mold” that appeared to be built around the stereotype of a clean-cut, White athlete from a midwestern background. Numerous rules, both formal and perceived, requiring conformity around hair, clothing, jewelry, and tattoos left many Black players feeling isolated, targeted, and unwelcome in the program.”
In the conclusion, the firm says that current players and coaches were in agreement that the program implemented immediate and positive changes once the review began. One such change was removing strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle, the subject of many racial bias accusations, from the program.
Both head coach Kirk Ferentz and Athletic Director Gary Barta expressed commitment to rebuilding trust with players.
Ferentz took issue with the accusations of one ex-player in particular, without mentioning Akrum Wadley by name. He said he even tried to get Wadley a professional football job as recently as last January.
Ferentz issued a written statement earlier in the day apologizing to black players and acknowledging their “pain and frustration.”