UI needs to examine football program, staff

Kirk Ferentz states, “Don't judge.” There have been 13 (University of Iowa) players hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis. Players, who admittedly had much-deserved down time between the bowl game and the start of off-season training, are suddenly thrown into the shallow end. While there are those who have been through this “conditioning” before without injury, there are 13 not so lucky.

This workout, we are told, is sanctioned by the NCAA. As though that somehow makes only the NCAA responsible for the outcome. These guys had nothing to prove, yet that is the position they were put in. They obviously wanted to do their best.

Their reward was not only hospitalization but to have suspicion placed on them ... as though by some grand coincidence all had done illegal drugs that contributed to their condition.

I hope the university is done pointing fingers at these athletes and instead not only re-examines its program but those who are delivering it.

I have no direct relation to anyone involved in the program but as a parent and supporter of Iowa athletics, I am appalled and sickened by what has happened.

Don't call yourself a trainer, a coach, a friend unless you can step up and say, we made a grave error.

I personally believe jobs should be lost and a new start given to these guys. I want them and their families to know their supporters are paying close attention to what happens next.

Diana Booth

Cedar Rapids