Lang
3/9/23
University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson has announced that the UI athletic department will reimburse the state of Iowa for $2 million in taxpayer money taken from the general fund to settle a discrimination lawsuit filed by former Hawkeye football players.
A state panel voted 2-1 on Monday to put $2 million in state funds towards the $4.175 million payment with the plaintiffs, who were claiming racial discrimination. State Auditor Rob Sand was the lone dissenting vote.
The original defendants in the lawsuit included head coach Kirk Ferentz, offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, athletic director Gary Barta, linebackers coach Seth Wallace and former strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle.
Wilson’s announcement means the UI athletic department will now pay the full amount.