Iowa's Parker has foot amputated, Ferentz confirms

UPDATE: Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz confirmed Wednesday that defensive coordinator Norm Parker had his right foot amputated two weeks ago. Ferentz said Parker is doing well and will return this season.

Gazette reporters Marc Morehouse and Scott Dochterman first reported the amputation last Friday.

Parker, 68, was hospitalized Sept. 10 for diabetes-related complications. He subsequently missed the last four games, but called into Iowa's pre-game radio show before the Hawkeyes played at Arizona on Sept. 18. Parker said that night a “medical procedure” was planned for Sept. 20 but declined to reveal that procedure.

Parker previously had toes amputated because of diabetes and has worn a cast 11 of the last 14 months, which has resulted in back pain.

Multiple sources told The Gazette that Parker had undergone another amputation. Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz declined to confirm the report Friday but said more details would be released about Parker's condition in the future.