Iowa football coach 'greatly disappointed' in $4 million settlement of discrimination case

A discrimination lawsuit brought by several former Iowa football players against head coach Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes' football program has been settled out of court. Scott Dochterman of The Athletic is reporting, citing court filings in U.S. District Court as well as sourced documents, that the settlement was reached between the University of Iowa's attorneys and plaintiffs for the former athletes.

The settlement will require the University as well as the state Board of Regents to pay $4.175 million to the 12 former players as well as their attorneys and to cover court costs. From the University's side of things, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, athletic director Gary Barta, and former football strength trainer Chris Doyle will be dismissed as defendants without prejudice.

“I am greatly disappointed in how this legal matter was resolved," Kirk Ferentz said in a statement. "However, I am grateful for the many players, parents, donors, fans and others who remained supportive of our coaches and program during this time.

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.

For more than two years, our program has been unfairly and negatively impacted by these allegations. Members of the staff had their character and reputation tarnished by former members of our team who said things, then recanted many statements when questioned under oath.

Today we move forward. My focus is entirely on the players, coaches and staff as we prepare for the 2023 season."

Dochterman is reporting that $1.9 million of the paid-out monies will go towards attorney fees while $35,937.41 will go towards court costs. That leaves $2.26 million to be divided up among former players Akrum Wadley, Jonathan Parker, Marcel Joly, Aaron Mends, Darian Cooper, Brandon Simon and Javon Foy.

The Iowa coaching staff, and especially former strength strainer Chris Doyle, were accused of "fostering an unwelcoming environment for non-white players".

Doyle left Iowa five months before the lawsuit was filed and earned $1.1 million from Iowa for his resignation.