Minnesota players rip administration for ‘idiotic’ decision to fire Tracy Claeys

On Monday evening, Minnesota fired head coach Tracy Claeys. Claeys’ firing is another twist in the story following the Golden Gophers players boycotting team activities due to the suspension of 10 teammates after a sexual assault case. They later returned to practice ahead of the Holiday Bowl in late Dec. after reading the woman’s account of what occurred.

At the time, Claeys defended his players.

In a statement released by AD Mark Coyle, he acknowledged, in part, that the tweet had at least a bit to do with the firing.

I informed Coach Claeys of my judgment that athletic suspensions were appropriate.

Without any objection, Coach Claeys said he understood that decision to bench student-athletes.

Coach Claeys, Deputy Athletics Director John Cunningham, and I met with the student-athletes to advise them of our decision. Coach Claeys subsequently informed me that he agreed with the suspension decision. And let me be clear: this was the right thing to do.

Coach Claeys’ Tweet later that week was not helpful. I accept that Coach Claeys intended it to support the boycotting players. Understandably others did not see it that way. I hope you will appreciate I cannot say more about the athletic suspensions in this case.

In the wake of Claeys’ firing, both current and former players have offered their responses to the move. The sentiment is simple. Beyond the obvious shock on the players’ end about the move, the move goes to sow further seeds of discontent with regards to the administration.

ESPN’s Brett McMurphy identified this unnamed Minnesota player as a “starter” in an interview on Sportscenter.

McMurphy also spoke to former Gophers QB Mitch Leidner.

And other tweets from Minnesota players echo the sentiments.

Whoever the next coach will be in Minneapolis, he will wade directly into a contentious culture between his bosses and his charges.