An investigation into claims that Howard football coach Ron Prince created a culture of intimidation and abuse inside the program is underway, according to reports.
The university probe comes a day after a letter surfaced crafted by an unidentified parent of one of the players outlining alleged threats to revoke scholarships that also included harassment and verbal abuse.
Prince, according to the letter, is also accused of mistreating injured players.
“The harassment, bullying, verbal, and mental abuse needs to STOP, the letter stated. “He has demoralized, ridiculed, and threatened the players on the team since his arrival.”
The letter also detailed Prince allegedly using rhetoric suggesting that his players were gay during an address to the team.
“… Asking if anyone was gay? And telling them it was ok he wouldn’t hold it against them “In fact I want to have the first openly gay player(s) in the country, I know someone in here is gay,” the letter said.
In a statement, Howard said it “does not tolerate verbal abuse or threats of any kind.”
“We are taking swift action to understand and investigate the allegations pertaining to the treatment of student-athletes on the football team.”
The allegations come in the wake of several Howard football players, including starting quarterback Caylin Newton, entering the transfer portal.
Prince, who was hired before the season after the departure of Mike London, is 1-4 this season.
Prince previously had coaching stints in the NFL and at the FBS level.
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