Black former Iowa football players demand $20M, call for firing of coach Kirk Ferentz over alleged racial issues
Earlier this month, several Black former football players sent a letter to the University of Iowa demanding $20 million and the firing of longtime Iowa coach, Kirk Ferentz, and assistant coach, Brian Ferentz along with the athletic director, Gary Barta over allegations of racial discrimination while they were part of the program.
According to the Des Moines Register, the former players sent a 21-page report on October 5 and are represented by a civil rights attorney in Tulsa. They have also threatened to slap a lawsuit on the school if their demands weren’t met by Monday.
Over the recent months, quite a few former Iowa players have voiced their experiences playing for Ferentz and added they were treated in an unfair manner and were unable to be themselves because they were Black. There were complaints against Chris Doyle, the strength coach as well, and he was put on administrative leave before signing a separation agreement with the school. The report added Ferentz admitting he had a “blind spot” in the program and it was revealed an advisory committee would be created to help improve the culture.
However, according to reports, Ferentz had been briefed about racial issues. Defensive back Maurice Flemming, receiver Andre Harris, running back Marcel Joly, receiver Kevonte Martin-Manley, linebacker Aaron Mends, running back Jonathan Parker, linebacker Reggie Spearman and running back Akrum Wadley signed the letter.
In addition to the demands they had asked for, the players also wanted the appointment of a Black male senior administrator within the department and also have compulsory anti-racist training for the staff, a board comprising of players and anti-racist professionals to oversee the program.
Talking about the letter, Bruce Harreld, the University of Iowa President, rejected their demands in his statement on Sunday. “We appreciate some former athletes sharing insights on their experience while at the University of Iowa,” Harreld said. “Many of their concerns have been reviewed and addressed. And to be clear, any student-athlete that has left the university and did not obtain their degree is welcome to return, and we are here to support them.”
"There are several demands outlined in the letter, and we are proud of the efforts made to date. We have a path forward that includes ideas and recommendations from many current and former students aimed at making the University of Iowa a more inclusive and better place to learn, grow, and compete as an athlete. However, the university rejects the demands for money and personnel changes."
Ferentz has been a part of the Hawkeyes outfit since 1999 and is regarded as one of the longest-serving coaches in college football. His career record reads 162-104 and in his statement expressed disappointment in his statement.
“I am disappointed to receive this type of demand letter,” Ferentz said in a statement. “Due to the threat of litigation, I am not able to address the specific comments made by our former players. As you know, this past summer we made adjustments to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all of our student-athletes. These changes include both policies and rules, as well as an expanded leadership council of current players and a new advisory committee comprised of former players.
“I am deeply committed to helping everyone who joins the Hawkeye Football program reach their full potential on and off the field. My focus is now on our current players who are preparing for our first game this Saturday.”