Discrimination lawsuit against UI Football program dismissed against coaches

Hunter
02/28/23

The plaintiffs in the racial discrimination case against University of Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz, assistant coach Brian Ferentz, athletic director Gary Barta and former strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle have filed for dismissals without prejudice in their official and individual capacities.

The documents were filed Monday in US District court, and indicate the parties would bear their own costs and fees in the cases against Kirk Ferentz and Barta; the filing regarding Doyle says that he does not oppose the action, while Brian Ferentz opposes the dismissal of the claims.

The legal proceedings began back in October of 2020, when eight former Hawkeye football players  demanded the school give them $20 million and fire head coach Kirk Ferentz, assistant coach Brian Ferentz and athletic director Gary Barta, claiming the program racially discriminated against them during their Hawkeye careers. The suit was filed the following month.

The plaintiffs also dismissed claims against linebackers coach Seth Wallace.

Monday’s filing does not dismiss the suit entirely; the University of Iowa and the state Board of Regents have not been exonerated and the suit against them remains open.