Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz released a statement on Sunday in response to the demand letter sent to the University of Iowa on Oct. 5, which called for, among other things, his dismissal, and the dismissals of offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz and Athletics Department Gary Barta.

“I am disappointed to receive this type of demand letter,” Ferentz said in a release. “Due to the threat of litigation, I am not able to address the specific comments made by our former players. As you may know, this past summer we made adjustments to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all of our student-athletes. These changes include both policies and rules, as well as an expanded leadership council of current players and a new advisory committee comprised of former players.

“I am deeply committed to helping everyone who joins the Hawkeye Football program reach their full potential on and off the field. My focus is now on our current players who are preparing for our first game this Saturday.”

Eight Black former Hawkeye football players — Akrum Wadley, Aaron Mends, Jonathan Parker, Marcel Joly, Maurice Fleming, Reggie Spearman, Kevonte Martin-Manley, and Andre Harris — claim they were subjected to intentional race discrimination by the coaching staff and administration in their time with the program.

The group is also seeking a payment of $10 million and an additional $10 million fund to compensate other athletes for the “discrimination and ongoing severe and pervasive acts that constitute intentional discrimination.”

The UI responded to the demand letter on Sunday. In a written response sent to the group’s attorney, the university’s Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel, Carroll J. Reasoner, declined the group’s monetary and personnel demands.