a culture that allowed a small group of coaches to demean players." The report stated that several current and former players believed that some coaches used the program’s foundation of discipline and accountability “to perpetuate an environment that bullies and demeans athletes, especially Black athletes." Kirk Ferentz responded to the report, stating "this review brings us face to face with allegations of uneven treatment, where our culture that mandated uniformity caused many Black players to feel they were unable to show up as their authentic selves,’’ Ferentz said. “I want to apologize for the pain and frustration they felt at a time when I was trusted to help each of them become a better player and a better person.’’ Chris Doyle was placed on administrative leave and later terminated, receiving 15 months' salary (approximately $556,000). After a review with athletic director Gary Barta, Kirk's son Brian Ferentz continued his role for Iowa football without suspension, leave, or fine. In the summer of 2020, Ferentz created a diversity committee, made up of former players. During the 2021 season, chair of the committee David Porter recommended Ferentz retire and Iowa hire a new football coach. Ferentz dissolved the committee in January 2022 with plans to restructure, stating he was considering what a new committee might look like. When asked about 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. Other Criticisms On 6 November 2013, athletic department accountant, Kathleen Willier, was fired after an audit showed $66,000 of department funds were not accounted for. The funds were cash payments from ticket sales for the Hawkeye Express commuter train used to transport fans to and from Kinnick Stadium for home football games In November 2017, reporter Scott Dochterman found via a Freedom of Information Act records request that Barta had given head men's basketball coach Fran McCaffery a pay increase, extension, and a doubled contract buyout in secret. McCaffery and the Hawkeye basketball team had been coming off a lackluster season, and Barta stated he wanted to wait until the next season's end. "It is what it is," Barta would tell the Des Moines Register. "And there was