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Iowa State officials, police chief address report regarding abuse to Iowa band
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Iowa-Iowa State is an incredible football rivalry. Many may not know it outside of Iowa and Big Ten country, but the hatred there is real.
Iowa defeated Iowa State on Sept. 14 and beat the Cyclones, in Ames, 18-17. The game was a thrilling one right until the final minute.
After the game, however, reports surfaced that “inappropriate actions” took place toward the Hawkeye band after the game.
RELATED: Report: Iowa band suffered verbal, physical and sexual abuse from ISU fans
After the reports became known, Iowa State started looking into the matter. As of now, it appears as though the police haven’t confirmed anything.
But on Tuesday afternoon, Iowa State President Wendy Wintersteen spoke with the media:
Iowa State President Wendy Wintersteen: "We can't let the actions of a few individuals bring an end to something that is so positive for our state. We can't and we haven't ignored the actions that were reported after the game."
— Alex Halsted (@AlexHalsted) September 24, 2019
Iowa State president Wendy Wintersteen: "I'm committed to doing everything that I can to make sure the Cy-Hawk football series continues."
— Tommy Birch (@TommyBirch) September 24, 2019
Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard spoke as well:
Pollard says that during an email exchange, Iowa AD Gary Barta made it clear that he wants to continue the Cy-Hawk series.
— Tommy Birch (@TommyBirch) September 24, 2019
Pollard: "Our fans need to do a better job of policing our fans. But so do the Iowa fans."
— Tommy Birch (@TommyBirch) September 24, 2019
Pollard says that the Iowa band, despite advice from Iowa State officials, decided to exit the stadium in an area full of fans after the game.
— Tommy Birch (@TommyBirch) September 24, 2019
Both sides want the rivalry to continue. However, Pollard has brought up points that suggest Iowa isn’t entirely in the clear of what happened. He said that despite advice, Iowa’s band exited the stadium in an area full of fans. He said Iowa fans need to do better policing its own fans.
That being said, Iowa’s band is the group reportedly being attacked here. No matter where you exit a stadium from, you shouldn’t be in fear.
Pollard asked if he'll take the band to Iowa City next season for the Cy-Hawk game: "When we go to Iowa next year, I certainly hope we get to do that."
— Tommy Birch (@TommyBirch) September 24, 2019
Iowa State police chief Michael Newton: "We can't investigate fro media reports. We can't investigate from social media reports."
— Tommy Birch (@TommyBirch) September 24, 2019
ISU Police Chief Michael Newton: "The University of Iowa had four police officers with the band. They did confirm that during the game there were some fans that were heckling." Officers talked to the fans and, "they were able to stop them from their behaviors."
— Alex Halsted (@AlexHalsted) September 24, 2019
Pollard: "The Cy-Hawk game is one of the greatest economic engines this state has."
— Tommy Birch (@TommyBirch) September 24, 2019
Iowa-Iowa State are scheduled to play again next season on Sept. 12 at Kinnick Stadium.
Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.