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U. Iowa president stands by firing of hockey coach

Sports

August 26th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – University of Iowa President Sally Mason says she stands by the controversial firing of women’s field hockey coach Tracey Griesbaum. Mason told reporters Tuesday that she understands that Griesbaum was a successful coach with many supporters, but that she “also understand the reasons” why athletic director Gary Barta removed her.

Barta said this month that he fired the 14-year coach after an investigation identified concerns and issues in the program. One professor says Griesbaum created a culture of intimidation. Giresbaum has said that a few former players have falsely accused her of mistreating them.

Current team members issued a statement last week expressing support for Griesbaum, and many former players, parents and even rival programs have called for her reinstatement.

Griesbaum’s longtime assistant, Lisa Cellucci, has been named interim coach.