Former Minnesota football players described coach P.J. Fleck’s program as a “cult” to Front Office Sports, alleging the program’s culture is “fraught with intimidation and toxicity.” Among the allegations are that Fleck interfered with medical protocols by seeking for injured players to return earlier than anticipated and by “minimizing the seriousness of some pretty horrendous injuries,” according to one player quoted by FOS.
The story also details a system devised by Fleck called the “Fleck Bank,” in which players could rack up goodwill to circumvent the repercussions of failed drug tests and other violations.
Minnesota athletic director Mark Coyle voiced his support for Fleck’s program in a statement to Front Office Sports.
“P.J. and our program are unique,” Coyle said. “They put themselves out there in new and different ways — but always in a first-class manner — and after nearly seven years, it is clear to me, that is what makes P.J. and our program so successful.”