Colorado State University has hired a law firm to conduct an investigation into its athletics department’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Fort Collins Coloradoan, the school has hired Kansas City-based Husch Blackwell to conduct the investigation after the football team suspended activities amid a spike in positive COVID-19 test results.
The Rams stopped football activities on July 29, a day during which a reported 27 players — about a quarter of the team — were missing due to COVID-19. The decision to investigate the situation occurred after players alleged the department was engaged in a ‘cover-up’ designed to minimize the threat of the virus.
Husch Blackwell was also the firm to lead the investigation into race-based mistreatment by football staff and coaches at the University of Iowa alleged by players within that program. The resulting report led to a separation between the Hawkeyes and former strength coach.
University president Joyce McConnell said that the investigation would begin immediately.
"My expectation is that everyone will fully cooperate with the investigation,'' McConnel wrote in an email announcing the move. "If you have information that is relevant to the investigation, it is critical that you share it with the investigators. Any attempts to retaliate against, pressure, or intimidate individuals who participate in the investigation will not be tolerated. Should that occur, please report that conduct to the investigators or to my office immediately.''
