Iowa football settles race bias lawsuit using taxpayer money

By ERIC OLSON
AP Sports Writer

Iowa taxpayers are on the hook for half of a $4 million settlement in the lawsuit brought by former Iowa football players who alleged racial discrimination in coach Kirk Ferentz’s program. A State Appeal Board voted 2-1 on Monday to approve the use of $2 million for the $4.175 million settlement over the objection of State Auditor Rob Sand, a board member who said athletic director Gary Barta should be fired for a series of lawsuits ending in settlements under his watch. The school’s athletic department released a statement attributed to Barta that said it “remains committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for every student-athlete and staff member involved in our program.”