Suspended Iowa football strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle took to social media to defend himself after being placed on administrative leave during a university investigation into allegations of mistreatment of players.
Former Iowa players claimed via social media that Doyle often crossed the line and promoted a culture of systemic racism.
“For 21 years, I have committed my life to Iowa Football and loved with all my heart, every single one of the young men I’ve gotten to work with and every minute we have spent together in the weight room, on the field and as friends and fellow Hawkeyes. I can only imagine how much courage it took for them to speak out on these serious matters. I am proud of them.
“My job has been to give feedback to our players for 21 years and now I am receiving feedback myself. I can take it and I won’t hide from it. It saddens me to hear the stories of their difficult experiences while in our program, in addition to the outpouring of stories we are hearing across this country. It’s time to listen, learn and grow. Most importantly, it is a time for action.
” … At no time have I ever crossed the line of unethical behavior or bias based on race. I do not make racists comments and I don’t tolerate people that do,” Doyle said in a lengthy statement.
Doyle claimed he was asked to “remain silent” during the investigation but said that was “impossible for me to do.”
Head coach Kirk Ferentz said the investigation into racial insensitivity would be a defining moment for the program.
