Attorney blasts Iowa program after discrimination lawsuit: ‘A racially hostile football program is Kirk Ferentz’s legacy’

Earlier this week, it was revealed that the University of Iowa and the State of Iowa will be paying a combined $4 million as part of a settlement in a lawsuit from former players, according to Hawk Central.

As the news hit the cycle, the reaction from Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz has caused a visceral response from Tulsa-based civil rights attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons.

First, Ferentz stated that the settlement discussions took place “without the knowledge or consent of the coaches who were named in the lawsuit,” and that “there is no admission of any wrongdoing” on their part.

“The settlement negotiations took place between the plaintiffs’ counsel and the Iowa Attorney General’s Office, which represents the University of Iowa and the Board of Regents,” Ferentz said, per Hawk Central. “These discussions took place entirely without the knowledge or consent of the coaches who were named in the lawsuit. In fact, the parties originally named disagree with the decision to settle, fully believing that the case would have been dismissed with prejudice before trial.

“A motion for summary judgment was filed which outlined why the case should have been dismissed. Unfortunately, this settlement was reached between the plaintiff’s attorneys and the Iowa Attorney General’s Office before the judge had an opportunity to rule on the motion. We have been told the reason for the settlement is financial. As a part of the settlement, the coaches named were dismissed from the lawsuit, and there is no admission of any wrongdoing.”

“It is disappointing that in the wake of this settlement, Kirk Ferentz continues to claim that he and his coaches did nothing wrong,” said Solomon-Simmons, a former football player at Oklahoma. “This is refuted by the (July 2020) Husch Blackwell Law Firm Report that his own athletics department commissioned and paid for.

“Kirk Ferentz’s unwillingness to accept responsibility for his actions and those actions of his subordinates shows that as long as Kirk Ferentz is in charge at Iowa, Black players will be at risk for harassment, bullying, race-based threats and retaliation that will deprive them of a meaningful opportunity to pursue a high-quality education while competing at the highest level of collegiate athletics.”

Additionally, Solomon-Simmons took a shot at Ferentz’s ultimate legacy, stating that it’ll be marred by “a racially hostile football program.”

“A racially hostile football program is Kirk Ferentz’s legacy,” stated Solomon-Simmons. “That is why we strongly hope that University of Iowa President Dr. Barbara J. Wilson listens to Iowa State Treasurer Roby Smith who encouraged Iowa to ‘re-examine relationships with (athletics director) Gary Barta, Brian Ferentz, and others named.’

“We also hope that this litigation and settlement will cause all other university athletic programs to reevaluate their policies, environment and culture to ensure that they are just, inclusive, and equitable for Black student-athletes.”

In addition to the settlement news, State Auditor Rob Sand stated he only wants the State of Iowa to help pay the settlement if the school parts ways with AD Gary Barta.

As you can see, there seems to be more questions than answers, and unsatisfied parties as it pertains to the University of Iowa. Time will tell what the Hawkeyes brass decides, but it’s evident change could be on the way.