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Allegations of player mistreatment within the Iowa program continue to surface weeks after the program was separated from strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle. Former Iowa running back Akrum Wadley released a statement on Monday detailing his negative experience with the Hawkeyes, going so far as to say it was a “living nightmare” and wished he had never played there.
The statement was released by Robert T. Green, CEO of Pre-Post Game, a sports consulting firm that currently represents several former Iowa players. In it, Wadley mentions Doyle along with head coach Kirk Ferentz and his son. , offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz.
“I felt that playing for Iowa Football was a living nightmare,” Wadley wrote, adding later, “My time in Iowa has done things to me that I’m not going to discuss because knowing how these people treated me and other black athletes. I’m finished. giving them power over me. But if I could do it again, I wish I had never played for the Iowa Hawkeyes. I would not encourage any future athlete or parent to send their son to play for the Iowa Hawkeyes under that current coaching staff. “
The allegations made by Wadley include:
- Brian Ferentz repeatedly asked him if he planned to rob a liquor store or a gas station whenever he was seen wearing a team-issued wool cap.
- Being objective, along with other black players, for not gaining enough weight during the season.
- Brian Ferentz ordered him to complete 20 hours of community service for unknown reasons, according to a text message allegedly between Wadley and director of player development Broderick Binns.
Wadley played for the Hawkeyes from 2013-17, compiling 2,872 yards per run and 28 touchdowns. He led the team with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in his junior and senior years. Despite his success, however, Wadley claims that he and other black players were attacked by Ferentz, his son, and Doyle, the latter of whom has contested negative experiences shared by approximately 50 former Iowa players, most of them. blacks. Doyle and Iowa parted ways on June 14 with Doyle receiving more than $ 1 million.
“My experiences with outsiders in the Iowa community are what I appreciate and I will be forever grateful to them. My hope is that my story and that of my teammates will save others from the experiences, truths, and mistakes of playing under And for an Iowa coaching staff that did and said nothing to stop the harassment and racism that happened to us under Chris Doyle, Brian Ferentz and Kirk Ferentz, what you see on TV is not what you get behind closed doors.
In a statement to the Des Moines RecordThe Iowa Department of Athletics said Ferentz would not comment publicly on the matter. Ferentz previously held a press conference and released a video that promises change following widespread accusations within the show.
“Coach Ferentz believes that significant change takes time and that a comprehensive and independent review is already underway,” the statement said. “He remains committed to creating a more inclusive culture for all of his players now and for years to come.”
