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Gophers coach P.J. Fleck calls allegations against program ‘baseless’

andy greder, pioneer press
·2 min read

INDIANAPOLIS — In response to a negative report about the Gophers football program, head coach P.J. Fleck defended his program Thursday at Big Ten Media Days.

“These allegations are baseless,” Fleck said during his scheduled slot with reporters.

Quoting anonymous players, Front Office Sports reported claims of a cult-like atmosphere in the program, and that positive drug tests were “looked past” if that player had earned credits earned in a “Fleck Bank” that tallied actions such as community service. It also described intimidation tactics and physical activity used to punish for wrongdoing.

Fleck said the phrase “Fleck Bank” was an analogy used in 2017-18 seasons to explain “investing in the program.” He said no currency was exchanged.

“The more you invest in the program, the better experience you’re going to get out of it,” Fleck explained. “… If you’re not doing all the right things, you’re probably not going to have a great experience. There was no currency every exchanged, there were no coins that ever existed. It was an analogy simply to explain investment for life.”

Fleck also said there are six different avenues for players to report concerns about the program and that Athletics Director Mark Coyle gives his cell phone number to all of his players. Coyle said Wednesday he had not heard of these claims before the Front Office Sports report.

Fleck said no physical activity is not used as punishment for not following the rules, but gave an example of players cleaning the weight room early in the morning.

McDonald waiver

New defensive back Craig McDonald needs to receive an NCAA waiver to be eligible this fall because he has transferred twice. The Minnehaha Academy graduate went from Iowa State to Auburn and now Minnesota. Once he is deemed eligible, McDonald will have three seasons remaining.

Schuster leaves

Second-year defensive tackle Jacob Schuster has left the Gophers program and entered the NCAA transfer portal. The Lacey, Wash., native played 24 snaps and made one tackle across five games last season.

Briefly

The Gophers have 115 players on the roster when training camp opens next week. … Receiver Chris Autman-Bell (knee) and defensive end Chris Collins (foot) will participate in practice, Fleck said. They missed spring ball. … Defensive lineman Luke Finnessey will not be cleared to practice.

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