Mizzou softball players play game in protest of MU administration

Mizzou softball players played Saturday’s game against South Carolina under protest, according to a news released written by the players. The players say the Missouri athletic department is conducting an investigation centered around the coaching staff.

“The softball players, support and love our coaching staff, and we wonder why this black cloud is being put over our program intentionally by Mizzou AD Mack Rhoades,” the release said.

Missouri players claim the administration is making a “false investigation.” They say, “Mack Rhoades and Mizzou athletics administration drawing out this unnecessary investiation on our coaching staff is having an emotional effect on our team.” Below is the list of accusations the players are making against the athletic department:

– Bullying and intimidating players during force interviews.

– AD Mack Rhoades told us that we, the players don’t have ANY say in who is the coach of our team.

– We believe a gag order has been placed on our coaches.

– The administration was completely incompetent in handling the fall football scandal and they are doing a worse job at this.

– This is a Title IX sports and they’re making up false investigation.

– The softball program under Ehren Earleywine IS THE WINNINGEST PROGRAM IN HISTORY OF MISSOURI SPORTS.

Less than two hours after the players made their protest public, Mizzou athletics released a statement.

“In recent weeks we have received complaints concerning our softball program. These complaints have come from both inside and outside the program. In response, the university launched an internal review. The review is ongoing and involved personnel matters, therefore, the University of Missouri and Mizzou Athletics will have no comment at this time.”

The Tigers lost Saturday’s game 3-1. Mizzou did not make players or coaches available after Saturday’s game. As they exited the locker room, junior Chloe Rathburn said, “I stand by my team and my coaches.” Ehren Earleywine declined comment on the matter, telling reporters, “Not now.”

Shorstop Sami Fagan was asked if she was told to not speak, only saying “I’m not gonna say.” Sophomore Amanda Sanchez was asked the same question, but only smirked then walked away from reporters.

Mizzou plays its final regular season home game against South Carolina on Sunday.