We Are I-O-W-A. The culture.

[MelroseHawkins]

We've all heard it over the years, THE IOWA WAY or FORT FERENTZ. Below is a positive article pointing out the Iowa culture of the past and success that has come from it. I hope we don't lose of lot of that culture and what is The Iowa Way as if prepares players so well for the NFL and gives lower recruited players who work hard a chance in the NFL, black, white, Polynesian or whatever.

It's obvious we've had some horrible instances of coaches crossing the line and bullying players. There's busting balls and crossing the line to bullying which has happen. I don't think its a true racial problem at Iowa but more the player who buy into The Iowa Way vs those that want to challenge it. This explains the DJK issues and even Noah Fant's playing time questions. I believe those two situations are very similar with the relationship with KF. At Iowa, no one player is above the team and the coaches clearly attempt to "humble" certain players. I don't think the coaches at Iowa have done the best job at evolving with players over the years. The old tactic of "busting balls" doesn't sit too well with many players of today. Are the players thinner skinned? I think so to a point. I think the Iowa coaches attempt to toughen up players regardless of their color. The clearly crossed the line with some players.

KF is obsessed with control and uniformity. That in itself is not completely bad as it teaches discipline and the team concept, but it can be detrimental as well suppressing some players personalities, etc.. KF could loosen up a bit in this regard and still have some uniformity in the program.

Below is an article about Iowa's past culture and how it is successful for a program like Iowa. I hope the coaches can find a nice balance and keep much of the culture without bullying players.


https://www.espn.com/blog/buffalo-b...ike-iowa-and-bills-a-j-epenesa-comes-prepared

 

[InGoodCo]

We've all heard it over the years, THE IOWA WAY or FORT FERENTZ. Below is a positive article pointing out the Iowa culture of the past and success that has come from it. I hope we don't lose of lot of that culture and what is The Iowa Way as if prepares players so well for the NFL and gives lower recruited players who work hard a chance in the NFL, black, white, Polynesian or whatever.

It's obvious we've had some horrible instances of coaches crossing the line and bullying players. There's busting balls and crossing the line to bullying which has happen. I don't think its a true racial problem at Iowa but more the player who buys into The Iowa Way vs those that want to challenge that. This explains the DJK issues and even Noah Fant's playing time questions. I believe those two situations are very similar with the relationship with KF. At Iowa, no one player is above the team and the coaches clearly attempt to "humble" certain players. I don't think the coaches at Iowa have done the best job at evolving with players over the years. The old tactic of "busting balls" doesn't sit too well with many players today. Are the players thinner skinned? I think so to a point. I think the Iowa coaches attempt to toughen up players regardless of their color. The clearly crossed the line with some players.

KF is obsessed with control and uniformity. That in itself is not completely bad as it teaches discipline and the team concept, but it can be detrimental as well suppressing some players personalities, etc.. KF could loosen up a bit in this regard and still have some uniformity in the program.

Below is an article about Iowa's past culture and how it is successful for a program like Iowa. I hope the coaches can find a nice balance and keep much of the culture without bullying players.


https://www.espn.com/blog/buffalo-b...ike-iowa-and-bills-a-j-epenesa-comes-prepared

The Iowa system and way could have been successful (it has been) as well as had toxic elements. Coach Doyle could possibly help someone get to the NFL that didn't have a chance, but also use tactics that had racial undertones to accomplish his goal. Either way it's not right and that's probably the case in most organizations. This is not an Iowa thing as much as it is a every where thing. We're just seeing it unfold at Iowa. It's going to keep unfolding IMO at other institutions. Iowa is just first. I am not calling for heads and/or trying to get a "Gotcha" moment. I want to listen and learn and I also want players moving forward to not be scared to speak out against the machine in fear that they'll be labelled a trouble maker, lose playing time or be demeaned because of it. KF has run this program for almost 2 decades unchecked, there needs to be much more open dialogue and transparency moving forward.

There is NO way not to recognize the high success rate this program has had but it doesn't erase all this. Just like the bad news coming out now doesn't erase all the good.

 

[GesterHawk]

Hardass coach = ok in my book.
Hardass coach who brings race into it = not ok in my book.

I have no doubt that players are softer today than in years past - mentally. But no one, and I mean no one, deserves to feel less than or intimidated because of the color of their skin.

Truth will out. A coach will lose his job for this. The rest will get some sort of sensitivity training.

The players will rally together. We will still cheer on their successes.

Most of us will cheer for their bravery and unity.

 

[Fryowa]

Hardass coach = ok in my book.

Hardass coach who brings race into it = not ok in my book.

The racist stuff is obviously as bad as it gets, but we can't forget that stuff like what happened to Kallenberger is also beyond what's acceptable. If it's true what Wallace did, he absolutely needs to go.

Not at all saying you're ignoring it, btw, just that it's something we can't let slip through the cracks because of the racial tension going on.

I think there was more to the culture problems than just race unfortunately.

 

[MelroseHawkins]

The racist stuff is obviously as bad as it gets, but we can't forget that stuff like what happened to Kallenberger is also beyond what's acceptable. If it's true what Wallace did, he absolutely needs to go.

Not at all saying you're ignoring it, btw, just that it's something we can't let slip through the cracks because of the racial tension going on.

I think there was more to the culture problems than just race unfortunately.

I'm not completely sold that it was all racially motivated by the coaches. I think they were busting balls on people and crossed the line with many like Kallenberger. They said things that were racially "typecasted" like sending back to the ghetto which was wrong. I think they made bad statements like that but hopefully didn't treat them different because of the color of their skin. They've helped and developed many black players over the years and have had great relationships with many of them.

I think a lot goes back on the player buying into The Iowa Way and there have been clashes. This with KF. I think the position coaches have busted balls to help motivate players but have crossed the line on many occasions. I think they were oblivious with some of their comments and how bad they really were.

 

[napleshawk]

We've all heard it over the years, THE IOWA WAY or FORT FERENTZ. Below is a positive article pointing out the Iowa culture of the past and success that has come from it. I hope we don't lose of lot of that culture and what is The Iowa Way as if prepares players so well for the NFL and gives lower recruited players who work hard a chance in the NFL, black, white, Polynesian or whatever.

It's obvious we've had some horrible instances of coaches crossing the line and bullying players. There's busting balls and crossing the line to bullying which has happen. I don't think its a true racial problem at Iowa but more the player who buy into The Iowa Way vs those that want to challenge it. This explains the DJK issues and even Noah Fant's playing time questions. I believe those two situations are very similar with the relationship with KF. At Iowa, no one player is above the team and the coaches clearly attempt to "humble" certain players. I don't think the coaches at Iowa have done the best job at evolving with players over the years. The old tactic of "busting balls" doesn't sit too well with many players of today. Are the players thinner skinned? I think so to a point. I think the Iowa coaches attempt to toughen up players regardless of their color. The clearly crossed the line with some players.

KF is obsessed with control and uniformity. That in itself is not completely bad as it teaches discipline and the team concept, but it can be detrimental as well suppressing some players personalities, etc.. KF could loosen up a bit in this regard and still have some uniformity in the program.

Below is an article about Iowa's past culture and how it is successful for a program like Iowa. I hope the coaches can find a nice balance and keep much of the culture without bullying players.


https://www.espn.com/blog/buffalo-b...ike-iowa-and-bills-a-j-epenesa-comes-prepared

Good post. I like that you address the frequently moving line that divides legitimate challenging and bullying. You ask us, "are the players thinner skinned?" I think you are likely correct when you say yes. I would like to pose a related question. Are the old guard too thin skinned to handle the "push back" that results from stepping close or even over today's line? Thanks

 

[MelroseHawkins]

Good post. I like that you address the frequently moving line that divides legitimate challenging and bullying. You ask us, "are the players thinner skinned?" I think you are likely correct when you say yes. I would like to pose a related question. Are the old guard too thin skinned to handle the "push back" that results from stepping close or even over today's line? Thanks

The answer to your question is no they are not, but, they now cannot afford to challenge the "push back". Their hands are tied. They now have to evaluate how they challenge players without coming across as bullying.

 

[HawkGold]

I'm not completely sold that it was all racially motivated by the coaches. I think they were busting balls on people and crossed the line with many like Kallenberger. They said things that were racially "typecasted" like sending back to the ghetto which was wrong. I think they made bad statements like that but hopefully didn't treat them different because of the color of their skin. They've helped and developed many black players over the years and have had great relationships with many of them.

I think a lot goes back on the player buying into The Iowa Way and there have been clashes. This with KF. I think the position coaches have busted balls to help motivate players but have crossed the line on many occasions. I think they were oblivious with some of their comments and how bad they really were.

So what percentage of racial is it and how much is OK?

 

[MelroseHawkins]

So what percentage of racial is it and how much is OK?

Ok, I'll bite. I think that what the coaches said to the players was 0% racially motivated.

 

[HawkGold]

Ok, I'll bite. I think that what the coaches said to the players was 0% racially motivated.

So is using racial speech negatively racist?

 

[MelroseHawkins]

So is using racial speech negatively racist?

Depends on the intention of the individual making the statement. First you have to define "racial speech" and prove that what is a racist statement to one is a racist statement to all. Can be subjective.

 

[HawkGold]

Depends on the intention of the individual making the statement. First you have to define "racial speech" and prove that what is a racist statement to one is a racist statement to all. Can be subjective.

So the recipient is not relevant?

 

[Ree4]

We've all heard it over the years, THE IOWA WAY or FORT FERENTZ. Below is a positive article pointing out the Iowa culture of the past and success that has come from it. I hope we don't lose of lot of that culture and what is The Iowa Way as if prepares players so well for the NFL and gives lower recruited players who work hard a chance in the NFL, black, white, Polynesian or whatever.

It's obvious we've had some horrible instances of coaches crossing the line and bullying players. There's busting balls and crossing the line to bullying which has happen. I don't think its a true racial problem at Iowa but more the player who buy into The Iowa Way vs those that want to challenge it. This explains the DJK issues and even Noah Fant's playing time questions. I believe those two situations are very similar with the relationship with KF. At Iowa, no one player is above the team and the coaches clearly attempt to "humble" certain players. I don't think the coaches at Iowa have done the best job at evolving with players over the years. The old tactic of "busting balls" doesn't sit too well with many players of today. Are the players thinner skinned? I think so to a point. I think the Iowa coaches attempt to toughen up players regardless of their color. The clearly crossed the line with some players.

KF is obsessed with control and uniformity. That in itself is not completely bad as it teaches discipline and the team concept, but it can be detrimental as well suppressing some players personalities, etc.. KF could loosen up a bit in this regard and still have some uniformity in the program.

Below is an article about Iowa's past culture and how it is successful for a program like Iowa. I hope the coaches can find a nice balance and keep much of the culture without bullying players.


https://www.espn.com/blog/buffalo-b...ike-iowa-and-bills-a-j-epenesa-comes-prepared

Hahah, nah - no culture similarities at all!

"He's not gonna win the sexy appeal, I get that, but we're Buffalo," Beane said. "And nobody thinks there's anything sexy about Buffalo, so he's going to fit us well. He is a good ol' Iowa boy."

 

[HaydenHawk56]

The Iowa way. Conform or else.....loss of playing time or the paddle....your choice. And, for crying out loud, open a ******* book and read it for once would you!

 

[MelroseHawkins]

So the recipient is not relevant?

Depends on the intent. We live in a very diverse society (which is good). We also have a society filled with very thin skinned individuals now, especially the younger age. We are now at a point we cannot really function as a society because everything being said is being evaluated/dissected and everyone is so sensitive.

 

[HawkGold]

Depends on the intent. We live in a very diverse society (which is good). We also have a society filled with very thin skinned individuals now, especially the younger age. We are now at a point we cannot really function as a society because everything being said is being evaluated/dissected and everyone is so sensitive.

Don't agree in general.

 

[Northside Hawk]

The Iowa way. Conform or else.....loss of playing time or the paddle....your choice. And, for crying out loud, open a ******* book and read it for once would you!

Niedermeier needed to break that paddle off in Chip Diller's ass, with the splintered end lodging in Kevin Bacon's sphincter.

There are overrated actors and there are obnoxious actors, but few combine both qualities quite like Kevin Bacon. And he's a wannabe rock musician to boot.

Stick with your annoying whimsical characters Kevin. I cheered like hell when Gail (Meryl Streep) finally offed you after four days of tormenting her family in The River Wild.

 

[MelroseHawkins]

Don't agree in general.

That's fine. I appreciate that.

 

[Robowe]

Niedermeier needed to break that paddle off in Chip Diller's ass, with the splintered end lodging in Kevin Bacon's sphincter.

There are overrated actors and there are obnoxious actors, but few combine both qualities quite like Kevin Bacon. And he's a wannabe rock musician to boot.

Stick with your annoying whimsical characters Kevin. I cheered like hell when Gail (Meryl Streep) finally offed you after four days of tormenting her family in The River Wild.

 

[kicker22]

I'm not sure where I heard this whether it was on ESPN or sports talk radio, but that's beside the point. They were discussing the "Iowa way" being viewed as the "White way" but were actually defending it and arguing that it's more of a business like mentality. It was a very compelling argument, but the point was made that if that were the case then the players as well as the coaching staff should be held to a professional code of conduct. Regardless of whether or not it is felt that the comments made to the players were racist, or simply uncalled for, if the allegations surfaced in the corporate world it would not be tolerated so it shouldn't be tolerated in the world of college sports.