CSU Launches Investigation into Athletics Program Mishandling of COVID-19 Policies

August 7, 2020 / Athletic AdministrationFootball
Colorado State University president Joyce McConnell announced this week that her office will be conducting an immediate investigation of the Rams football team and the athletic department in totality in response to reports of undermining COVID-19 policies.

According to a story by The Denver Post, McConnell described the accusations as “deeply troubling” and “extremely serious” in a statement. Though no timetable has been released, McConnell did say her office will move swiftly and be transparent in sharing any obtained information.

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Photo: Eric Lumsden / Creative Commons

The allegations appeared earlier in the week by the Fort Collins Coloradoan, citing statements from 10 anonymous sources within the CSU athletic department that were critical of the athletic department’s handling of positive COVID-19 tests. Additionally, the anonymous reports accused department officials of both minimizing and altering virus results.

The report from the Fort Collins Coloradoan was specifically referring to newly hired football coach, Steve Addazio, with sources accusing the former Boston College head coach and his staff threatened withholding playing time and scholarships for players who reported symptoms or were quarantined.

In a statement to The Denver Post, Addazio said he “fully” supports the investigation and that he wants “every student-athlete to have confidence that we are taking every possible measure to ensure their safety, and we will continue working with the training staff, the athletic department, and the university to evaluate and implement any additional steps necessary to live up to our high standards.”

Additionally, CSU athletic director Joe Parker said in a statement that he would “embrace’ McDonnell’s investigation.

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“If we learn that there are any employees of CSU Athletics who do not share Colorado State University’s commitment to student health and well-being above all else,” McConnell said to the Post. “We will address the issue immediately.”

CSU football slated to open their football season on September 26, the athletic department announced this week. Specific dates and matchups were not released.

To read the full story on the investigation of the CSU athletic department and football team from The Denver Post, click here