How did he do it?

Jon Gruden is out of football again.   This time for getting caught sending racist, misogynistic, and homophobic emails.   Gruden was 4 years into his monster $100 million dollar blockbuster contract.  But, he had to walk away.   He got caught with his email out. 

So, my question is how does a head football coach like Kirk Ferentz do it?   After the George Floyd case breaks Ferentz had 8 of his former players make claims that they were victims of "Targeted Discriminatory Behavior".  Since then 5 more players have joined the suit bringing the total to 13 former players.   

The argument I've heard is these were just disgruntled players that weren't able to make it in the pros.   Although Kirk Ferentz was NOT named as the one making the remarks and discriminatory behavior, Strength Coach Chris Doyle and Offensive Coordinator Brian Ferentz son of said Head Coach were the one cited for creating the "Iowa Way".   Kirk Ferentz is the CEO and Head Coach, and should be responsible for how players, coaches, and employees of the Hawkeye Program are treated.  So, how does he get away with it?   Jon Gruden can't do it, and he was paid a lot more than Ferentz.   . 

First you make Strength Coach Chris Doyle your fail guy.   Doyle negotiated a Black and Gold settlement of $1.1 million dollars and resigned.  Doyle symbolically took the fall and most of the heat, for the time being.  He was latter signed as a Director of Sports Performance for the Jacksonville Jaguars and quickly resigned after backlash from Jaguar players.   It looks like Doyle has now finally been black balled.   

But what about the Ferentz team?  The Offensive Coordinator still has his job.   Kirk Ferentz still has his $2.7 million dollar salary, total pay is $5.0 mill.  Highest Paid Big Ten Coaches Should I mention that Ferentz and crew decided not to take a voluntary pay cut during the COVID season.   The Iowa athletic department eliminated 40 positions through layoffs and attrition while forcing most non-contract employees to take unpaid furlough and salary cuts.   Ferentz choose to keep his bowl bonus and forego a voluntary salary cut.    

There are very few that can get away with this type of insensitivity and racial disparity.   I guess if you live in the White Bread Basket of Iowa City you can.   Kirk Ferentz is one of the highest paid State of Iowa employees.   Which makes me beg the question - what is the racial tolerance and motivation of the entire State of Iowa?  Is it okay to allow this type of behavior from a State employee? 

I will mention that there is a pending trial set on May 6-18 of 2023.   The defendants are Kirk Ferentz, Brian Ferentz, Chris Doyle, the University of Iowa, and the State Board of Regents.  

I'm not trying to come across as a Hawkeye Hater (although my sister accuses me of this frequently).  I only like to write about The Hawkeyes once a year, during Hawkeye and Cyclone week.   But, this Jon Gruden issue is topical and I thought it to be quite the contrast in values, or maybe not - considering the two head coaches in question.   I would suggest just like conference realignment this issue is far from over.   

P.S.  This just in: Iowa's Offense is ranked 119th in college football and last for total yards in the Big Ten.   That's a little weird for a team ranked #2 in the County.   Eventually the lack of Offensive production will catch-up to The Hawks.  They say, "Defense wins Championships."  But, you can't win the game if you don't score points.