After the San Francisco Chronicle piece about Cal strength coach Damon Harrington was published yesterday, football players past and present were quick to jump to his defense. Players past and present defended Harrington's conduct and were quick to highlight the positives of his conditioning program and their positive relationship with him as a coach.
The Chronicle did not interview any players currently present on the team for their piece on Harrington. Here's a sample of some of the statements from Cal players who have endured Harrington's regimen.
Chase Forrest
Coach Damon is one of the most influential figures in my life and I will forever go to battle with him. The ignorance people have amazes me.
— Chase Forrest (@chase4rest) June 30, 2016
Luke Rubenzer
Due to the recent FALSE articles about our football program, if anyone bashes someone's name to get in the news, you're a weak human being.
— Luke Skywalker (@lukerubenzer8) June 30, 2016
Ray Hudson
We will stand with him. pic.twitter.com/s8zsoFssq6
— Ray Hudson (@rayhudson11) June 30, 2016
Vic Enwere
They need to interview current players they aren't here for a reason not everybody is built for this stop blaming coach D for your failures
— Everything1KTM (@A1_Pericoo) June 30, 2016
Aaron Cochran
It's always people who don't play sports that think they know what's best for us.
— Aaron Cochran (@Cochran_Aaron) June 30, 2016
Donovan Frazer (graduated from program)
I can honestly say @coachDamon51 was one of the most influential coaches I had at Cal and I hope his image isn't distorted by that hit piece
— Donovan Frazer (@d_fraz61) June 30, 2016
Bryce Treggs
Y'all already know I'm rockin with @coachDamon51. Not even gonna entertain that article.
— Trigga (@BryceTreggs) June 30, 2016
Matt Rockett
I'd go to war with @coachDamon51 any day. No doubt. That man has my full respect and trust cuz I know he'd do the same for me. #westandbyhim
— Mr. Rockett (@Mr_Rockett08) June 30, 2016
Michael Barton (transferred from the program)
How is this even an article?? Coach D has had nothing but have the best interest of all his players. Click bait https://t.co/wcXhMsWpXg
— Michael Barton (@michaelbarton08) June 30, 2016
Most of the Cal players mentioned or quoted in the story (quarterback Joey Mahalic, cornerback Trey Cheek, defensive lineman Gabe King) are no longer with the football team.