This comes after Colorado State had announced earlier in the week that it had launched an investigation into its athletic department following a report alleging players had been told not to report Covid-19 symptoms or they would see reduced playing time."Today, we learned of some extremely troubling allegations of racism and verbal abuse from CSU's athletic administration generally and in the football program specifically," athletics director Joe Parker said in a statement Friday."Colorado State University is committed to being an anti-racist university, and we will not tolerate any behavior or climate that goes against that core value. Moreover, CSU Athletics is committed to the health and well-being of student-athletes above all other priorities, and this includes their mental health. We believe it is our responsibility to make sure that all student-athletes feel welcomed and valued as members of an inclusive athletics community."Parker's statement said the pause includes all practices, workouts and team meetings. The statement also said that he had asked university President Joyce McConnell to expand the independent investigation announced earlier in the week to include a comprehensive review of the athletic department and football program regarding the allegations of racism and verbal abuse."While we have been working hard towards playing football this fall, the holistic well-being of our student-athletes is our unequivocal top priority," Parker said. "We must and will address these allegations before we focus on playing football."6 Maryland football players opt out of fall season, including last year's starting quarterbackOn Tuesday, Colorado State announced it had begun an investigation into its athletic department following a report alleging players have been told not to report Covid-19 symptoms or they will see reduced playing time.According to a report by the Fort Collins Coloradoan, coaches have told football players not to report coronavirus symptoms and threatened them with limited playing time if they quarantine. The report also alleges that the athletic department is changing contact tracing reports so players can continue to practice."The story raises concerns about whether the health and well-being of our student athletes is truly the top priority of Colorado State University," McConnell said in a statement Tuesday."I tell you all now that nothing is more important to me or to CSU than the health and well-being of our students. Nothing. They are our purpose and our responsibility, each and every one of them, whatever sport they play or major they declare."The investigation is being handled by McConnell's office.The Coloradoan report cited statements from multiple anonymous sources in the department. One current Rams football player told the paper, "I believe there is a cover-up going on at CSU … It's not about the health and safety of the players but about just trying to make money off the players.''

Players dispute claims regarding coronavirus

Several Rams players disputed the claims in the report on social media Tuesday.Quarterback Todd Centeio tweeted, "Coming from a player with a compromised immune system. I never once felt like @CSUFootball ever put me in jeopardy. I have felt very comfortable and safe while going through both voluntary and mandatory workouts. The allegations are notRead More – Source

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