Just when coach Todd Hoffner thought it was safe to go back to Mankato State, his players had other ideas.
Deadspin.com reported Wednesday that the trials and tribulations of Hoffner, the Minnesota State-Mankato who was fired in 2012 after being falsely accused of possessing child pornography, took another bizarre turn when Hoffner came back to his own job - and his players protested by refusing to dress for a spring practice.
According to the Mankato Free Press, Hoffner, back in charge of the team after a two-year absence, walked onto the practice field for a 3:30 p.m. practice, said a brief hello to the media in attendance and then waited for the players to come out from the locker room.
Aaron Keen, who had coached Mankato State in Hoffner's office and who is now the team's associate head coach, greeted Hoffner on the field.
The Free Press reported that minutes later, all but three players emerged from the locker room in street clothes and gathered at the entrance of the practice field. Junior safety Samuel Thompson read from a prepared statement for the protesting players.
"As a collective unit, we've all agreed that we will stick together and show our support in having Aaron Keen as the head football coach at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
"We've all become outstanding community members, students, and athletes, in the last year and a half since the removal of Todd Hoffner.
"Throughout this process, our voice has been silent, it is time our voice is heard. We want information, we want answers, because this is our team. As a unit we have decided not to practice, because of the change-up in the coaching situation.
"We want Aaron Keen as the head coach."
The team then went back to the locker room.
Hoffner's firing took place one month after the Freeh report that investigated the Penn State scandal involving Jerry Sandusky, according to Deadspin. An IT professional at Mankato State found videos of nude children on Hoffman's phone when he brought it in to be repaired. The IT professional reported it, and Hoffman quickly was arrested.
Mankato State fired him.
The videos, however, were of Hoffman's children, and all charges were dropped. Hoffner, however, already had taken a job with Minot State in January. Mankato State was legally bound to offer Hoffer his job back.
According to the Free Press, Paul Allan, an MSU associate athletic director, later released a statement Wednesday that said athletic director Kevin Buisman met with the team that afternoon where they "shared their concerns."
The reported added that Buisman has scheduled another meeting for 7 a.m. today with the members of the football team, head coach Hoffner, associate head coach Keen and other coaching staff.
How do you think Mankato State should solve the players' refusal to practice for Todd Hoffner? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.
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