Porter's recommendation, Ferentz stated "I read it and that's his opinion. There's not much to react to other than I have a different opinion. My intention is like long-term and big picture, not short-term. Everyone is allowed to have an opinion." Ferentz ended up permanently dissolving the committee, instead working with University DEI staff. In October of 2020, eight Black former Iowa football players filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against the University, seeking $20 million in compensation and for athletics director Barta, head coach Kirk Ferentz, and assistant coach Brian Ferentz to be fired over what they allege was intentional racial discrimination during their time at Iowa. Players included running back Akrum Wadley. A trial date is set for 2023. 2007 off-field legal troubles Between April 2007 and August 2008, 18 Iowa football players were arrested for various offenses, ranging from alcohol-related issues to two players that were accused of sexual assault. Nine players ended up being dismissed or leaving from program in that time period. On August 20, 2007, days before the start of football season, two wide receivers, including Iowa's top returning receiver Dominique Douglas, were charged with stealing credit cards and ordering thousands of dollars worth of hats and other merchandise. A warrant was issued the next day for another player, Arvell Nelson, for failing to appear for a traffic ticket. Douglas was arrested weeks later for shoplifting DVDs, and suspended by the team. Nelson and wide receiver James Cleveland were later dismissed for drug charges. Ferentz issued a curfew for his players after long snapper Clint Huntrods was arrested for public urination; the curfew was extended after safety Lance Tillison was arrested for drunk driving after the Iowa State game. "My high school son would be upset about this curfew, to put in that perspective," said Ferentz in September. "Enough is enough. You hate to treat anybody like a grade-school kid, but that is the way it goes." Ferentz would also state the "bottom line is it just leads me to believe I've probably done a poor job of communicating. It's very disappointing. So, we'll handle that and move on." After the season, Ferentz defended how his program handled player conduct. He stated said those incidents forced him to re-examine the his and the coaching staff's approach to keeping players out of legal trouble. He mentioned monitoring players, educating players, and relying on player leadership as