'Hit piece': Gopher players respond after anonymous former players rip Fleck

A story released Wednesday cited multiple ex-Gophers who criticized the culture at Minnesota under head coach P.J. Fleck.

The University of Minnesota football team is the latest NCAA program in the national spotlight after a report from Front Office Sports detailed allegations of "brainwashing" and a "cult-like atmosphere" under head coach P.J. Fleck. 

The story quoted several anonymous former players who played under Fleck between 2017 and 2021. The allegations ranged from one anonymous player claimed the team had to clap for Fleck every time he entered a room, while another claimed players had to memorize pages in a binder and were later tested on it, with punishments sometimes handed out for poor test scores. Parts of the test allegedly required players to memorize acronyms that Fleck is known to use, including: 

• H.Y.P.R.R.: How/Yours/Process/Result/Response
• T.H.I.N.K.: Truthful, Helpful, Inspirational, Necessary, Kind
• F.I.S.T: Family Invested Same Time “Keep it Tight”
• S.F./A.M./F.S:  Start Fast, Accelerate Middle, Finish Strong

There are multiple other complaints about Fleck in the story, including one where players allegedly have to answer "I'm elite" when asked how they're doing. But since the story was unveiled Wednesday, numerous current and former Gophers have responded in defense of Fleck and the football program. Among them is Athan Kaliakmanis, the sophomore expected to be Minnesota's starting quarterback this fall. 

"This program is a very hard program to play for, not a toxic one," Kaliakmanis wrote in a tweet. "Coach [Fleck] has made me a better man in the main four areas of my life. Athletically, Academically, Socially, and Spiritually. I am very thankful to have him as a coach and to be apart of this football program!"

Former Gophers defensive lineman Sam Renner, who play at the U of M from 2015 to 2019, including the final three years under Fleck, called the report a "hit piece."

This is an absolute hit piece.

Aimed upon preying on emotions caused from Northwestern’s news recently.

The article contains solely anecdotal commentary.

As well as limited debate from any other players standing behind the staff.

Would love to follow up with this reporter

— Sam Renner (@samrenner97) July 26, 2023

Renner was the only Gopher to refer to the story as a "hit piece." Those are the same words used by current Minnesota safety Tyler Nubin, who is considered one of the top safeties in the country and will likely be in the NFL a year from now. 

"Hilarious hit piece. Been apart of this program for 5 years and I've never seen anything except great people and great coaches who care about the PLAYERS," Nubin tweeted. "This program not for everyone. For obvious reasons....I ain't come back my 5th year for nothing."

Quinn Carroll, the starting offensive lineman who transferred to his home state Gophers after starting his college career at Notre Dame, called it "Fake news."

"Fake news," Carroll wrote. "Being apart of this program has been nothing but a blessing since day one! I will always support Coach Fleck and his staff for developing men first!"

Nathan Boe, an offensive lineman who has been with the Gophers since 2018, admitted at the program is "hard" but not "toxic."

Hard yes, toxic no. Wouldn’t want it any other way!!!

6 years in this program. 2 degrees, 3 internships, 4 bowl game victories, endless community service hours.

Dan Nichol, PJ Fleck, and Mark Coyle have helped me and countless other student athletes become better men. https://t.co/89xa3OxbWZ

— Nathan Boe (@nathanboe1122) July 26, 2023

Linebacker Cody Lindenberg also backed Fleck and the program. 

"The only way I would describe this culture as is ELITE," said Lindenberg. "Coach Fleck instills values that prepare us for life within and outside of football. He gives us ways to improve academically, athletically, socially and spiritually. He is not only an elite coach but also an elite man!"

Danny Striggow, who plays defensive line and is entering his fourth year in the football program, said, "If you don't want to learn how to be a great man, son, husband, father, student, AND football player, don't come here."

Blaise Andries, the Minnesota native who played for the Gophers and is now with the Miami Dolphins, called the story and allegations "nonsense."

Can we stop all this nonsense and please focus on the positive impact Coach has had on numerous lives? Thanks 👍

— Blaise Andries (@BlaiseAndries) July 26, 2023