Chris Autman-Bell calls PJ Fleck abuse allegations 'complete nonsense'

The unofficial start to Minnesota‘s season was marred by a report citing former players who alleged a toxic working environment in the program was fostered by coach PJ Fleck‘s practices.

Fleck came out and blasted the allegations as baseless on Thursday, and at least one long-time Minnesota player was backing the head coach.

“Just a bunch of nonsense, man,” receiver Chris Autman-Bell said on SiriusXM radio. “A lot of anonymous guys who said anything or guys who did the wrong things or guys who, like I said, they did the wrong things, basically. It’s a bunch of nonsense, man.”

Few would have the depth of knowledge on the topic as Autman-Bell.

The standout receiver was a redshirt freshman in the program in 2017, PJ Fleck’s first year in charge. So he’s been there literally every step of the way, from the early 2017-18 days when most of the allegations centered around to now.

And he did not mince words when discussing the culture PJ Fleck has built in the program.

“I love this culture. I’ve been here for seven years,” Autman-Bell said. “Everything that was said in that article is complete nonsense. We love the culture. He’s a well-driven guy. Coach loves everyone. He shows up for everyone. You can walk in his office any time you want, you can text or call any time you want. It’s all just nonsense, man.”

PJ Fleck offered his own defense of the program while meeting with reporters.

“These allegations are baseless,” PJ Fleck said. “We have full support of our athletic director Mark Coyle and our university leadership. This is a similar story that gets peddled every single year and the majority of the players have been dismissed or removed from our football team.

“Our program and culture is proven to work on and off the field and is always done in a first-class manner. We’re one of the most transparent programs in the country. There are tons of testimonials from past, present and even future Gophers to support and prove that. My energy needs to be on the 2023 football team and that only and not the baseless allegations.”

MORE: PJ Fleck explains ‘Fleck Bank,’ fires back at allegations of physical punishment

Barring further allegations from former athletes or more concrete evidence of wrongdoing, it seems that Minnesota will simply carry on with its 2023 season.

Autman-Bell, for one, is ready to roll, with full backing of his head coach and the culture.

“I love it. It made me the man I am today and that’s all I can say about it,” he said. “I can’t speak on everyone else who has their thoughts about things, but for me, my family and everyone enjoys Fleck and that program.”