The Minnesota football team has decided to boycott all football related activities in response to the suspension of 10 players from the program. The players were suspended after a Title IX investigation into a September sexual assault incident led to the reinstatement of suspensions for the players.
In two videos posted, the Minnesota players state their demands, how they want to go about them, and ask for patience from the Holiday Bowl committee.
They have stated their intent to boycott the bowl game if their demands are not met and the players reinstated.
Video 1: #Gophers football team makes its demand for boycott of all activities leading to Holiday Bowl. https://t.co/mAoxyr5l8T
— Andy Greder (@andygreder) December 16, 2016
Video 2: #Gophers football team makes its demand in boycott of all activities leading to Holiday Bowl. https://t.co/oyg8MhmKCa
— Andy Greder (@andygreder) December 16, 2016
The players have put the university in a very difficult position. While their argument is understandable in terms of defending their teammates, they are unlikely to receive the reversal of decision they are asking for. From purely a public relations standpoint, reversing the suspensions after a month-long investigation would be disastrous for the integrity of the school.
Among the players demands are a meeting with the Board of Regents, sans university president Eric Kaler or athletic director Mark Coyle present.
This is a developing story.
With the Holiday fewer than two weeks away, a decision will need to be made in the coming days.
Can’t get enough of Campus Sports? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to stay updated with the latest news and exclusive giveaways!
