By PETE IACOBELLI
The Associated Press
COLOMBIA – South Carolina’s first-year assistant, Mike Bobo, said he was offended by allegations that anyone on his former Colorado team or team said he was abused or treated with racial insensitivity.
“I know who I am and how I treat people,” said Bobo, Gamecocks’ new offensive coordinator.
Bobo was a Colorado State coach for the past five years before being hired in South Carolina last December.
Earlier this month, Colorado state administrators stopped football practice after an ongoing investigation was launched by the university’s president in the treatment of the COVID-19 case program, revealing allegations of racism and verbal abuse against athletes.
South Carolina began its own review after becoming aware of the allegations, but it is unclear where the investigation is.
Colorado State sports director Joe Parker said he asked President Joyce McConnell to expand the investigation she announced on August 5 to include a comprehensive review of the sports department and the football program.
“We learned of some extremely worrying allegations of racism and verbal abuse from CSU’s athletic administration in general and the football program in particular,” said Parker.
Bobo disputes these claims.
“I am offended if someone who was a member of my team or technical or support staff said that they were treated as racially insensitive or that there may have been abuse,” said Bobo. “One thing I can say is that we were a family there. We loved each other and I can honestly say that I treated people how I would like to be treated, how I would like my children to be treated.”
Colorado state spokesman Mike Hooker said the investigation is continuing and is unlikely to be completed until September. It is being treated by the same lawyers who investigated Iowa earlier this year, when the culture of that football team was questioned by players and others.
Bobo did not say whether he spoke to anyone connected with the Colorado State investigation.
“I have been transparent with people who ask me,” he said. “I have nothing to hide.”
Bobo was released after last season, going from 28 to 35 in five years with the Rams. He received a purchase of $ 1.825 million.
South Carolina athletic director Ray Tanner opened an investigation shortly after the Colorado State investigation. Bobo said he was open and honest when asked by Tanner and other department administrators.
Shortly after Bobo’s name came up in Colorado State, he received support from many former associates and players, including his former Georgia coach Mike Richt.
Richt said on social media that during Bobo’s 14 seasons on the Bulldog team, “I don’t remember receiving a complaint from a parent, school coach or, more importantly, an athlete student about how he was treated by Mike.”
South Carolina coach Will Muschamp dismissed reports of Bobo being abusive or racially insensitive in Colorado State.
“These statements to me are completely absurd,” said Muschamp on Monday.
Tanner said his sports department has had no complaints about Bobo’s conduct since joining the team. Bobo received a two-year contract in South Carolina for $ 1.2 million per season.
Bobo said Tanner spoke with several Gamecock football players and Colorado State personnel in his investigation.
Bobo was brought in to reenergize an offense that was near the end of several categories at the Southeast Conference. Gamecocks were 10th in the race last season, 11th in scoring and 12th in total attack.
The new offensive coordinator said he and his family received overwhelming support from friends, former players and colleagues who cheered him on as he continued his autumn camp. South Carolina begins its season on September 26 at home against Tennessee.
“I’m ready to focus on training,” he said.
One thing he realized with this is that he would like to improve in all his tasks, professionally and personally.
“When you read what others have said, Bobo observed,” you realize that you have done some good things, but you can do better.