IOWA CITY, Iowa - University of Iowa Director of Athletics Gary Barta says the school is seeking legal assistance after the departure of football strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle over racism accusations.
Barta said during a Monday news conference that Kansas City based law firm Husch Blackwell will conduct an independent review of alleged racial disparities in the football program. He also acknowledged the programs has obvious problems.
“We don’t need an independent review to tell us we have issues,” Barta said. “We have issues, and we have taking some steps to improve and move forward.
Barta became emotional during the news conference when describing discussions regarding racism during his years in athletics, saying conversations he's had recently "have gone so much deeper."
Former coach Doyle left the football program Monday after being accused by current and former black athletes that he used racist comments toward them. Doyle has denied the allegations but has agreed to leave the university.
He's getting roughly $1.1 million in pay as part of a separation agreement with the university.
(Image courtesy of WHO-TV)