Ex-Iowa Football Players Suing over Racial Discrimination; $20M Demand Withdrawn
Nov 10, 2020
The Iowa Hawkeye Tiger Hawk logo is seen on a goalpost pad before an NCAA college football game between Iowa and Miami of Ohio, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Eight former Iowa football players are going to move forward with a lawsuit against the school.
Per the Associated Press, attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons informed the Iowa solicitor general and university’s general counsel in a letter dated Tuesday the group will move ahead with a racial discrimination lawsuit.
The eight players include Akrum Wadley, Aaron Mends, Jonathan Parker, Marcel Joly, Maurice Fleming, Reggie Spearman, Kevonte Martin-Manley and Andre Harris.
Last month, Chad Leistikow of the Des Moines Register obtained a copy of a certified letter from the players in which they demanded $20 million in compensation and the firing of head football coach Kirk Ferentz, assistant coach Brian Ferentz and athletic director Gary Barta.
In the same report by Leistikow, Carroll Reasoner, general counsel for the University of Iowa, told Solomon-Simmons they "respectfully decline your monetary and personnel demands."
According to the AP, Solomon-Simmons said he has withdrawn their settlement demand.
Per Nathan Ford of The Gazette, "at least 55 former Iowa football players and one current player" made allegations against the program about a pattern of racist and bullying behavior.
Chris Doyle, the Hawkeyes strength and conditioning coach since 1999, reached a separation agreement with the program in June. He was placed on administrative leave earlier in the month after multiple former players accused him of making racist comments.
Iowa WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette Apologizes After Being Arrested on OWI Charge
Nov 9, 2020
Iowa wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette runs up field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette apologized to his family, football teammates and supporters following his arrest on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
"I had a lapse of judgment, which resulted in me making a critical mistake that I wholeheartedly regret," he said while revealing he is looking ahead to the rest of the season:
On Nov. 1, The Gazette reported Smith-Marsette was arrested hours after the Hawkeyes lost to Northwestern in a Big Ten game.
The Iowa City Police Department said the wide receiver was driving 74 mph in a 30 mph zone and had bloodshot eyes and impaired speech. The officer who pulled him over said Smith-Marsette admitted to drinking and failed a preliminary breath test.
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said Smith-Marsette was suspended for Saturday's victory over Michigan State.
"His availability for future games will be determined as he goes through the University of Iowa Student Athlete Code of Conduct process, which includes counseling and other department protocols," Ferentz said.
Smith-Marsette appeared in losses to Northwestern and Purdue and led the team in receiving yards in 2019.
The Hawkeyes are at the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Friday, and the receiver's statement suggests he will be ready to go for that game.
Iowa WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette Suspended After Being Arrested on OWI Charge
Nov 1, 2020
Iowa wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette runs up field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette has been suspended for Saturday's game against the Michigan State Spartans after being arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence Sunday morning, head coach Kirk Ferentz announced.
Ferentz noted Smith-Marsette's availability beyond the Michigan State game has yet to be determined.
According to ESPN's Tom VanHaaren, an Iowa City police officer pulled Smith-Marsette over for driving 70 mph, 40 mph over the posted speed limit. The police report said he had "bloodshot eyes, impaired speech and smelled of alcohol" while talking to the officer.
Smith-Marsette had a 0.130 blood alcohol content level on a breath test at the scene.
He wasn't placed into custody because COVID-19 protocols allow for impaired drivers to be taken home by another person.
The Newark, New Jersey, native, who's in his senior year with the Hawkeyes, has played in each of the team's first two games in 2020. Iowa opened with a 24-20 loss to Purdue before falling 21-20 to Northwestern on Saturday.
Smith-Marsette has caught seven passes for 84 yards so far. His 722 receiving yards and eight touchdowns were highest on the team in 2019. He's also averaging 29.4 yards on kick returns over his four-year career. USA Todaylisted him to its 2020 preseason All-America second team as a returner.
Former Iowa Football Players' Lawyer Responds to School Rejecting Demands
Oct 20, 2020
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz watches the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
Civil rights attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons released a statement Monday on behalf of eight Black former Iowa football players after the school rejected an offer to settle their racial discrimination allegations out of court, according to Eric Olson of the Associated Press.
The Hawkeyes program refused to pay the group a $20 million settlement or fire head coach Kirk Ferentz, offensive line coach Brian Ferentz and athletic director Gary Barta. The program also released a confidential letter sent on behalf of the players detailing their complaints to the school.
"It appears Iowa released our confidential letter to the media with the sole intention of trying to shame and intimidate our courageous clients," Solomon-Simmons said. "It did not work. In fact, Iowa's move has not only strengthened the resolve of our clients to continue to stand up for their rights and the rights of their teammates."
The former players involved are Akrum Wadley, Aaron Mends, Jonathan Parker, Marcel Joly, Maurice Fleming, Reggie Spearman, Kevonte Martin-Manley and Andre Harris.
Their $20 million settlement would have included $10 million for pain and suffering and loss of opportunities and earning capacity, as well as $10 million to set up a fund to compensate other Iowa athletes who've dealt with discrimination at the school, according to Olson.
Solomon-Simmons previously said the players would file a joint lawsuit against the school if the settlement proposal was rejected. In his statement Monday, he said:
"Our monetary demand for our clients and the over 100 other impacted African-American athletes may be shortsightedly characterized as a money-grab by some. But our demand is just because the need for vindication and accountability is just. The need for meaningful change, and not mere administrative shuffles of Black employees for the sake of public relations, is just."
In July, an independent review of the football program by law firm Husch Blackwell in Kansas City, Missouri, found it "perpetuated racial or cultural biases and diminished the value of cultural diversity" and allowed for a "small group of coaches" to demean players, per Robert Read of the Daily Iowan.
"I have read the report, and it is clear that the climate and culture must and will change within our football program," school president Bruce Harreld said. "Our student-athletes must have the ability to be true to themselves, and we cannot and will not tolerate a systemic process that inhibits authenticity."
Strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle parted ways with the program in June following allegations of bullying players and differential treatment based on race.
The Hawkeyes are scheduled to open the 2020 season Saturday when they visit Ross-Ade Stadium to take on Purdue.
Former Iowa Football Players Demand Kirk Ferentz's Firing, $20M in Compensation
Oct 18, 2020
Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz speaks during a news conference, Friday, June 12, 2020, in Iowa City, Iowa. The Iowa football team took a big step toward improving its lines of communication in the week since the program was hit with allegations of systemic racism, Ferentz and three of his players said Friday. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Eight former University of Iowa football players have demanded $20 million in compensation and the firing of athletic director Gary Barta, head coach Kirk Ferentz and assistant coach Brian Ferentz.
In a letter sent to the university Oct. 5, the former Hawkeyes players say that Barta and the Ferentzes were responsible for "intentional racial discrimination" during their tenures, according to Chad Leistikow of the Des Moines Register.
The players, who worked with civil rights attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons to send the letter, are running back Akrum Wadley, wide receiver Kevonte Martin-Manley, defensive back Maurice Fleming, wide receiver Andre Harris, running back Marcel Joly, linebacker Aaron Mends, running back Jonathan Parker and linebacker Reggie Spearman.
All of the former players who sent the letter are Black.
Other demands outlined by the former players in the letter include the addition of a "Black male senior administrator position" as part of Iowa athletics, anti-racist training for athletics staff, a board of advisers that includes Black players and tuition waivers for any Black athlete who did not graduate during Ferentz's time as head coach.
In response to the letter, University of Iowa general counsel Carroll Reasoner said that while the school has made attempts to satisfy some of the demands already, "We respectfully decline your monetary and personnel demands."
Ferentz issued a statement in response to the letter, noting he is "deeply committed" to helping everyone who joins the Iowa football program reach their full potential, both on and off the field:
The Iowa football program parted ways with strength coach Chris Doyle in June after he spent 21 years in that position. The decision was made after dozens of former players said that he was among those within the program who mistreated Black players.
All of the eight former players who sent the letter have made specific allegations regarding how Black players and personnel have been treated unfairly at the University of Iowa.
Wadley said he had his meal-card privileges revoked at one point, and Martin-Manley tweeted about what he felt was the unfair forcing out of former wide receivers coach Erik Campbell in 2012:
The 65-year-old Kirk Ferentz is about to start his 22nd season as head coach of the Hawkeyes and owns a career record of 162-104.
Ferentz guided Iowa to Big Ten titles in 2002 and 2004, and the Hawkeyes have played in 17 bowl games during his tenure.
In June, Ferentz admitted that he had a "blind spot" in terms of not seeing the mistreatment of Black players in the Iowa football program.
As part of the letter, it was stated that the eight former players are prepared to pursue a lawsuit against the school if their demands are not met by Oct. 19.
FILE- In this Nov. 29, 2019, file photo, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz follows warmups before an NCAA college football game against Nebraska in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)
The University of Iowa released a report by law firm Husch Blackwell into the internal culture of the Hawkeyes football program.
The firm wrote that it spoke with 111 people as part of the investigation, including 74 current and former Iowa football players:
"Players and coaches uniformly agreed that the Iowa football program is based on a foundation of discipline and accountability. Several current and former players shared the view that some coaches have used those values to create and perpetuate an environment that bullies and demeans athletes, especially Black athletes. Moreover, recognizing that college athletes typically experience some degree of stress associated with their training and performance, several interviewees shared that the program’s stringent rules promulgated under the name of discipline place significant, heightened stress on players of all races."
The report stated that concerns about specific coaches were raised but that "most players commented positively about head coach Kirk Ferentz and his leadership of the program."
Ferentz issued a statement ahead of a scheduled press conference later in the day: "I want to apologize for the pain and frustration they felt at a time when I was trusted to help each of them become a better player and a better person."
Kirk Ferentz statement on external review which was released this morning.
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.
Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jaleel Johnsonwrote June 6that strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle "is the problem in that building" and criticized offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, who's the son of the head coach.
Chicago Bears offensive lineman James Danielsrespondedthat he "wouldn't be in the league" without Doyle or Brian Ferentz but that "change needs to start with those two."
The Husch Blackwell report cited a coach who said Iowa isn't a "racist program," but instead, "one or two coaches had too much power."
Thursday's report outlined "strong disparities in witness perceptions of football program culture, especially with respect to race" within the program:
"Two current White players conveyed to investigators that people have confused a 'discipline culture' with a 'racist culture.' In contrast, other players of various races expressed serious concerns about the racial climate. One former player explained: 'Being an Iowa football player was a daily struggle for black players. We were punished for no apparent reason, singled out by coaches, and threatened and ridiculed every day. It is hard to explain how difficult it was. Think about being under pressure every day for 4 years solely because of your race. That is how it was for me and my black teammates.'"
A December 2018 report about former Iowa tight end George Kittle from The Athletic'sJohn Middlekauffalluded to how the culture issues may not have been strictly along racial lines.
Scott Dochterman of The Athletic shared an excerpt from the report that said Kittle fell to the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round of the 2017 draft in part because Iowa coaches "crushed his football character at the school."
Yep, here’s what we reported about how the primary Iowa NFL contact ripped Kittle before the draft. pic.twitter.com/enHDjOBM7X
The Husch Blackwell report painted a wider picture of the problem. Two players told investigators Iowa coaches conveyed unflattering portrayals of them to NFL teams, and one coach was alleged to have blackballed players "whom he did not like."
The allegation was voiced by multiple players and one coach.
Amari Spievey: Ferentz, Iowa FB Wanted Black Players to Be Like White Iowa Kids
Jul 27, 2020
Wisconsin's Isaac Anderson (6) is upended by Iowa's Amari Spievey (19) after catching a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 38-16. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
A number of Black former Iowa Hawkeyes football players have spoken out against the Kirk Ferentz's program in recent months, and on Monday former All-Big Ten cornerback Amari Spievey said that program wanted its Black athletes to be like "white Iowa kids."
"We couldn't wear earrings, we couldn't wear hats, we had to dress a certain way," he told Adam Rittenberg and Michele Steele of ESPN. "They wanted us to be white Iowa kids. [They] wanted us to fit that mold. We couldn't be us. We had to be like them."
"There's been a systematic issue there. Whether they've known about it, or whether or not how deep these accusations are, there are truths to all of them," former wide receiver Marvin McNutt added. "The Black players feel [coaches and staff] didn't always have our backs, and they didn't really understand our culture, or like it. I'm glad to see some of these things could actually have a voice at a time it needed one."
In June, as marches and demonstrations happened around the United States and the world in protest of systemic racism and police brutality, a number of former players came forward on social media and shared examples of unfair treatment against Black members of the Hawkeyes:
These stories are new to everyone but for the players we have heard/seen these far too many times. Trust me this is the last thing we want to be doing. To many really good players that have never touched the field on Sat. because of how they were treated around facility.
"I've talked with guys and they talked about how they were made to conform to what Coach Ferentz wanted or what they expected white players to be like," former offensive lineman Dace Richardson told Rittenberg and Steele. "We had a lot of guys on our team that had personalities and they weren't allowed to be their natural selves. I never had issues with that because I kind of just conformed to what the team wanted."
The issues reportedly extend beyond the football culture. According to the Race and Equity Center at the University of Southern California, the school's 40 percent graduation rate for Black athletes ranked 60th out of the 65 Power 5 schools and last in the Big Ten between 2014 and 2018.
And while 30 percent of the football program is comprised of Black athletes, just 3.3 percent of the school's population is Black. Additionally, Ferentz has only had two Black assistants in 11 of his seasons and has never had a Black offensive or defensive coordinator in his 21-year tenure, per ESPN.
And between 2009-19, only 10 Black players represented the school at Big Ten Media day, fewer than any other school in the conference.
"It was almost like they were trying to portray the perfect white guy that represented Iowa football," former cornerback Jordan Lomax said on the Washed Up Walkons podcast (h/t Rittenberg and Steele). "Guys were like, 'If I want to go to Big Ten media days ... I've got to at least dress different or act different or be different, because I'm trying to get to that level.' We see that. We're like, 'Why can't one of us go? Why can't more of us go?'
"It's just a constant theme. And that kills guys psychologically."
Report: Iowa Knew of Racial Issues Inside Football Program as Early as 2019
Jul 20, 2020
The Iowa Hawkeye Tiger Hawk logo is seen on an end zone pylon before an NCAA college football game between Iowa and Miami of Ohio, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
A University of Iowa Diversity Task Force released a report in 2019 that outlined instances of racial biases and inequalities within the football program, according to Rob Howe of HawkeyeNation.com.
That report was presented to Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz and athletic director Gary Barta.
According to the findings, Black football players felt they were:
"Expected to conform to White culture"
"Subjected to verbal harassment"
"Targeted for extra drug testing"
"Misled about resources available to them during the recruiting process"
"Subjected to inequitable discipline policies and double standards"
"Misunderstood by both coaches and White player"
"Unsupported in their academic pursuits"
In June, former Iowa player and current Chicago Bears offensive lineman James Daniels detailed several instances of racial inequalities within the program:
There are too many racial disparities in the Iowa football program. Black players have been treated unfairly for far too long.
These stories are new to everyone but for the players we have heard/seen these far too many times. Trust me this is the last thing we want to be doing. To many really good players that have never touched the field on Sat. because of how they were treated around facility.
“I think you could argue that (the Iowa Football culture) has been healthy based on results,” Ferentz said June 7. "My responsibility and my charge is to make sure (racism) isn’t prevalent in our program...I would not quantify that as a major issue right now."
"I had convinced myself that we were doing enough," Barta added during a press conference June 15. "Frankly, the past few weeks have been a wakeup call for me, I know [for] Kirk. But everybody in Iowa Football and Iowa athletics [was woken up]."
The existence of the 2019 report would seem to contradict both of those statements, however.
The tangible result of Iowa's culture is that Black players transfer away from the school at a disproportionately high rate.
Additionally, Howe wrote, "A study done by USC's Race and Equity Center shows that among 65 Power 5 football programs, Iowa ranked 60th in graduating Black student-athletes. In the Big Ten, its 37 percent differential between graduating Black and white student-athletes ranked as the highest in the conference. The study looked at the years 2014-18."
Akrum Wadley Details Racism, Mistreatment at Iowa Football as 'Living Nightmare'
Jun 29, 2020
EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 21: Akrum Wadley #25 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs the ball during a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 21, 2017 in Evanston, Illinois. The Wildcats defeated the Hawkeyes 17-10. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Former Iowa running back Akrum Wadley detailed his negative experiences at the school in a Facebook post Monday via Pre-PostGame CEO Robert T. Green (h/t Mark Emmert of Hawk Central).
In the post, he said he was the subject of racism and mistreatment at the hands of head coach Kirk Ferentz, offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz and former strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle:
"I felt like playing for Iowa Football was a living nightmare. I never drank alcohol prior to going to college but based on my experience there it became the only thing I could rely on it seems and was what I did to cope. Game day was the only day that it was somewhat of a relief for me, but that even became difficult based on what happened during the week leading up to it."
Wadley cited specific examples of abuse, including being berated by Brian Ferentz over a parking spot. He also said the offensive coordinator joked multiple times about the running back committing a robbery while wearing team-issued black hats.
Additionally, he said Kirk Ferentz wouldn't let athletes speak their mind, while the head coach also prevented him from transferring when he wanted to leave.
The player finished his four-year career with the Hawkeyes with 2,872 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns, both in the top five in school history. Still, he explained that he has major regrets about spending time at Iowa:
"My time at Iowa has done things to me that I am not going to discuss because knowing how these people treated me and other black athletes. I am done giving them power over me. But if I could do it all over again. I wish I never played for the Iowa Hawkeyes. I would not encourage any future athletes or parents to send your kid to go play for the Iowa Hawkeyes under that current coaching staff. My experiences with people outside of the program in the Iowa community are ones that I cherish and will be with me forever grateful for. My hope is my story and those of my teammates save others from the experiences, truths and mistake of playing under and for a coaching staff at Iowa that did and said nothing to stop the bullying and racism from happening to us under Chris Doyle, Brian Ferentz and Kirk Ferentz. What you see on TV isn't what you get behind closed doors."
Many former Iowa players have recently gone public describing abusive and racist actions by the coaching staff. The school parted ways with Doyle after 21 years with the program.
"As a staff and as leaders, we will listen and take to heart the messages we hear," Ferentz said in a statement earlier this month.
Chris Doyle, Iowa Reach Separation Agreement After Allegations of Racist Remarks
Jun 15, 2020
FILE - In this Sept. 1, 2018, file photo, Iowa strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle walks on the field before an NCAA college football game between Iowa and Northern Illinois, in Iowa City, Iowa. Former players have accused Doyle of bullying and making racist comments. He remains on paid administrative leave, The Associated Press reports, Friday, June 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
The University of Iowa announced Monday it has reached a separation agreement with football strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle.
The school also announced it will use a law firm to conduct an independent review into "issues and allegations relating to racial disparities within the football program."
According to Brett McMurphy of Stadium, Doyle will receive a $1.11 million buyout and full health benefits for the next 15 months as part of his settlement.
Athletic director Gary Barta said in Monday's press conference that removing the coach "was the thoughtful and sensible thing to do," via Scott Dochterman of The Athletic. Barta also apologized to those affected.
This decision comes after several former Iowa players detailed negative experiences with the program, including allegations of racist behavior from Doyle.
The coach denied the allegations in astatementthat went against the school's wishes.
"I have been asked to remain silent, but that is impossible for me to do," Doyle said. "There have been statements made about my behavior that are not true."
He maintained his innocence while defending his career at Iowa.
"I am confident that a complete review of the body of work over 21 years will speak for itself and I am trusting the process to respect the rights and experiences of all parties involved," Doyle said.
The 51-year-old joined the Hawkeyes in 1999, the program's first season under head coach Kirk Ferentz. He was the highest-paid strength coach in college football with a salary of $800,000 per year.
His son, Dillon, was a linebacker on the team butannouncedhis decision to transfer last week.
