California Golden Blogs - Cal football 2016 offseason news, rumors and reportsThe OG CGB team moved to WriteForCalifornia.com. Cal Golden Bears coverage by SBNation.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48267/cgb-fave.png2016-07-22T07:31:02-07:00http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/rss/stream/101266612016-07-22T07:31:02-07:002016-07-22T07:31:02-07:00Donovan Frazer comments on Coach Harrington
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MqOZq7TGbbX-FJnybOS5bgHC7pM=/59x0:4649x3060/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50159447/usa-today-9383986.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Hint: It nearly directly contradicts the chronicle article in more than one way</p> <p>Former Cal offensive lineman Donovan Frazer met with <a href="http://www.scout.com/college/california/story/1686172-former-walk-on-details-harrington-s-methods">Ryan Gorcey at Scout</a> in a much needed article about what exactly happened in 2013-14. If you are not familiar with Frazer, he was on the team for three years including the carry over campaign from Tedford's final season and Dykes not so pleasant debut at Cal. He played in only one game but those around the clubhouse were very much familiar with his presence.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Former walk-on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cal?src=hash">#Cal</a> football player: "Damon [Harrington] came into a program with a culture problem and fixed it." <a href="https://t.co/FcGU5VBQih">https://t.co/FcGU5VBQih</a></p>
— Ryan Gorcey (@RGBearTerritory) <a href="https://twitter.com/RGBearTerritory/status/753380987959062528">July 14, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>In the article (<a href="http://www.scout.com/college/california/story/1686172-former-walk-on-details-harrington-s-methods">read the original here</a>), Frazer outlines his version of what exactly took place during the Fabiano Hale incident. Frazer walks through the state of Cal football after Tedford's departure and describes the Bears locker room as "completely fractured". This shouldn't come as a major surprise to any Cal fans as we saw the massive exit from Tedford players unwilling to buy into the new culture Sonny Dykes was attempting to build at Cal.</p>
<p>Frazer goes on to detail how coach Harrington specifically brought a very different workout routine to the program and pressed players harder than their previous strength coach. Without giving away too many key parts of the article, this came to a head on a workout after Halloween night where the team was warned not to show up late or risk a tougher workout. When more than a few players showed up late, that led to a more challenging workout which in turn led to Harrington urging his players to "take control of the team and fix obvious problems". Frazer is quick to acknowledge that the players were adults and in no way were encouraged to assault anyone or Hale for showing up late.</p>
<p>Frazer goes on to also talk about the now infamous <a href="https://www.xandolabs.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2323:noose-drill-progression&catid=104&Itemid=170">"noose drill"</a> which was an offensive drill that the receivers practiced. The name was subsequently changed after a player not involved in the drill complained to the coaching staff about the name.</p>
<p>It is refreshing to see a player willing to put himself out there (especially one who graduated with two degrees from Cal) and go into such detail about the incidents that have been plaguing the program over the last few weeks.</p>
https://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/7/22/12234518/damon-harrington-donovan-frazer-california-golden-bearsAndy Johnston2016-07-09T03:00:03-07:002016-07-09T03:00:03-07:00Damon Harrington back
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RGANTmsU_g6ojUouMiYfbf7RLuI=/245x0:4428x2789/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50062629/usa-today-8238777.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>He's back. This week of nonsense is over. </p> <p>The California Golden Bears now can confirm their strength coach is back in 2016. The university confirmed that Damon Harrington's contract was officially renewed, and the Cal strength coach is now guaranteed his $150,000 salary for the 2016-17 season. <a href="http://www.dailycal.org/2016/07/08/contract-of-cal-footballs-conditioning-coach-renewed-in-advance-of-faculty-concerns/" target="_blank">More from the Daily Cal</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The contract of Cal football’s strength and conditioning coach, Damon Harrington, was renewed June 28 prior to reporting on faculty <a href="http://www.dailycal.org/2016/07/02/chancellor-nicholas-dirks-orders-new-investigation-cal-footballs-strength-conditioning-program/">concerns</a> over a previous investigation involving the program, according to a statement from campus spokesperson Dan Mogulof.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="paragraph1"><a data-ref-index="6" href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/6/30/12064528/damon-harrington-sonny-dykes-california-golden-bears-football-ted-agu-fabiano-hale" target="_blank">Harrington has been under fire after a Chronicle report</a> seemed to handwave that he was responsible for the Ted Agu and Fabiano Hale situations. Although the university would eventually <a data-ref-index="7" target="_blank" href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/4/14/11435240/ted-agu-california-golden-bears-uc-berkeley-death-lawsuit">settle a multi-million dollar wrongful death suit with Agu's family</a> and Harrington was cleared of wrong-doing, <a data-ref-index="8" href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/7/6/12102366/uc-berkeley-faculty-petition-california-golden-bears-strength-damon-harrington" target="_blank">over a hundred UC Berkeley professors have signed a petition</a> asking for Harrington's suspension, with <a data-ref-index="9" href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/7/5/12088842/cal-football-strength-conditioning-investigation-uc-berkeley-chancellor-dirks" target="_blank">Chancellor Dirks launching a second inquiry with independent investigators</a>.</p>
<p id="paragraph2"><a data-ref-index="10" href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/7/3/12088770/cal-athletics-california-golden-bears-san-francisco-chronicle" target="_blank">Cal Athletics</a> and <a data-ref-index="11" href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/6/30/12069990/california-golden-bears-defend-strength-coach-damon-harrington" target="_blank">Cal football players have stood fast behind their strength coach</a>, <a data-ref-index="12" href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/7/6/12104940/california-golden-bears-football-players-twitter-damon-harrington-uc-berkeley" target="_blank">attacked Berkeley faculty for athlete discrimination</a>, and now it appears that Harrington is standing pat. Cal will not have to worry about changing things up in 2017, and can now turn their full attention to the season barring massive findings from the second inquiry.</p>
<p>What are your thoughts?</p>
https://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/7/9/12134562/cal-football-strength-coach-damon-harrington-has-his-contract-renewedAvinash Kunnath2016-07-07T13:38:50-07:002016-07-07T13:38:50-07:00Cal Athletics stands behind Damon Harrington
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EtwPVE9o9plTQGebVysBIbIRQwk=/0x32:2526x1716/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50052693/usa-today-9191736.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It sounds like Harrington will stay in place. </p> <p>The California Golden Bears Athletic Department seems to be firmly standing behind strength coach Damon Harrington.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/6/30/12064528/damon-harrington-sonny-dykes-california-golden-bears-football-ted-agu-fabiano-hale">Harrington has been under fire from Cal faculty after a Chronicle report</a> reflected on potentially having some role in the Fabiano Hale incident and overseeing the workouts that led to the death of football player Ted Agu. Although the university would eventually <a href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/4/14/11435240/ted-agu-california-golden-bears-uc-berkeley-death-lawsuit" target="_blank">settle a multi-million dollar wrongful death suit with Agu's family</a> and the Chronicle report failed to gain the perspective of anyone currently employed for Cal Athletics or playing for Cal football, the veracity of that investigation into strength program practices has been questioned by the Chronicle and UC faculty.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/7/6/12102366/uc-berkeley-faculty-petition-california-golden-bears-strength-damon-harrington"> Nearly a hundred UC Berkeley professors have signed a petition</a> asking for Harrington's suspension, and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/7/5/12088842/cal-football-strength-conditioning-investigation-uc-berkeley-chancellor-dirks">Chancellor Dirks has relaunched a second inquiry with independent investigators</a>.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/7/3/12088770/cal-athletics-california-golden-bears-san-francisco-chronicle">Cal Athletics</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/6/30/12069990/california-golden-bears-defend-strength-coach-damon-harrington">Cal football players have stood fast behind their strength coach</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/7/6/12104940/california-golden-bears-football-players-twitter-damon-harrington-uc-berkeley">attacked Berkeley faculty for athlete discrimination</a>, and now it appears that Harrington will remain the strength coach this season at the very least. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.scout.com/college/california/story/1684270-cal-ad-stands-behind-harrington-in-meeting">Ryan Gorcey received an official statement from Cal Athletics</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We felt it was important to sit down and talk with our student-athletes about where we are, in real time, with this," said Cal spokesman Wes Mallette, who attended the meeting. "we have repeatedly stated that the wellbeing and best interests of our student-athletes -- all of our student-athletes -- is of paramount importance to us. Making sure that our student-athletes know that they are supported by our athletics department is what our department is based on. We stand together. We are one athletics department. We stand united, with all of our coaches, our entire staff, and all of our student-athletes."</p>
<p>...</p>
<p>"We are still waiting to hear what that is, and what that means, but Damon is our strength and conditioning coach," Mallette said, in regards to the probe.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This tweet from Malik Psalms seems to indicate that the football team knows that Harrington isn't going anywhere either.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-video">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When <a href="https://twitter.com/CalAthletics">@CalAthletics</a> told us <a href="https://twitter.com/coachDamon51">@coachDamon51</a> wasn't going anywhere... <a href="https://t.co/B6VDTikKQd">pic.twitter.com/B6VDTikKQd</a></p>
— malik (@MalikPsalms) <a href="https://twitter.com/MalikPsalms/status/750851958781517824">July 7, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Some more tweets from Cal football players on the situation are available here.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Every Cal Football player will tell you Coach Damon would never put a single one of us in danger. He only pushes us to get better every day</p>
— Max Gilliam (@maxgilliam11) <a href="https://twitter.com/maxgilliam11/status/748686767922900992">July 1, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I'm curious how many of those professors have been to Memorial on a Saturday.</p>
— Ray Hudson (@rayhudson11) <a href="https://twitter.com/rayhudson11/status/750781907621670912">July 6, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">First time on Twitter. I never wanted an account, but have to stand up for Coach Damon and my Cal football family. Pushed me over. I'm in.</p>
— Patrick Worstell (@PWorstell88) <a href="https://twitter.com/PWorstell88/status/750875346514243584">July 7, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p><br>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
https://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/7/7/12115750/california-golden-bears-football-strength-coach-damon-harringtonAvinash Kunnath2016-07-06T07:31:02-07:002016-07-06T07:31:02-07:00Cal players allege UC faculty discrimination
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZMC-FxsNvHB0UtFwWmFzPp8cBnE=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50035589/usa-today-8783341.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The battle lines are drawn. </p> <p>Throughout this media circus that has persisted the last week or so, the San Francisco Chronicle has not once talked or addressed a current Cal football player on the roster. All players interviewed by the Chronicle in the original piece are no longer with the program.</p>
<p>(It would be nice if the Chronicle would try and hear all sides of the story instead of the one that parrots the narrative they've thrown out there, but I'm not their editorial director. Moving on.)</p>
<p>Now things have snowballed. The athletes are striking back.</p>
<p>Players on and from the California Golden Bears who know strength coach Damon Harrington were quick to jump to his defense the first time. Now that many Berkeley faculty are actively petitioning for his suspension, the players are once again leaping forward to offer support to their coach.</p>
<p>Running backs<b> Vic Enwere</b> and <b>Tre Watson </b>made it clear how disappointed they were in UC Berkeley faculty, alleging that they have openly been scorned by university professors for being athletes.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/sfchronicle">@sfchronicle</a> ☕️ <a href="https://t.co/qCprCX4cby">pic.twitter.com/qCprCX4cby</a></p>
— Lil Flame<sup>TM</sup> (@A1_Pericoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/A1_Pericoo/status/750561612294160384">July 6, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/sfchronicle">@sfchronicle</a> <a href="https://t.co/otU0sD5xbR">pic.twitter.com/otU0sD5xbR</a></p>
— Tre Watson (@tre1watson) <a href="https://twitter.com/tre1watson/status/750531921394823168">July 6, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Defensive back <b>Khari Vanderbilt</b></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">These articles keep coming at my strength coach, for what??? There is way more going on around the world go write about something else.</p>
— Khari Vanderbilt (@Khari2Smoove) <a href="https://twitter.com/Khari2Smoove/status/750547137969217536">July 6, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Defensive back <b>Darius Allensworth</b></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">all I know is my strength coach better be at the workout in the morning <a href="https://t.co/wesxCipZyF">https://t.co/wesxCipZyF</a></p>
— Darius Allensworth (@_MoneyDA) <a href="https://twitter.com/_MoneyDA/status/750534142371110912">July 6, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Alarmingly, potential starting defensive lineman <b>James Looney </b>threatens to not play.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If Damon leaves I will seriously consider not playing this year!!!! <a href="https://t.co/mGo8xfJfIA">https://t.co/mGo8xfJfIA</a></p>
— James Looney (@looneytunes561) <a href="https://twitter.com/looneytunes561/status/750551028265877504">July 6, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>On a more benign note, <b>Bryce Treggs </b>made a somewhat amusing tweet that will probably horrify many.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If Damon was really doing something wrong would EVERY player be going to bat for him?</p>
— Trigga (@BryceTreggs) <a href="https://twitter.com/BryceTreggs/status/750552131376218112">July 6, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Let Damon go and I'll say "St John Bosco High School" on Monday night football</p>
— Trigga (@BryceTreggs) <a href="https://twitter.com/BryceTreggs/status/750552409856995328">July 6, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>The wild ride only gets wilder. With fall camp only a month away and summer workouts still in full swing, this has to be a giant headache for Sonny Dykes and the football program to have to endure.</p>
https://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/7/6/12104940/california-golden-bears-football-players-twitter-damon-harrington-uc-berkeleyAvinash Kunnath2016-07-06T00:31:08-07:002016-07-06T00:31:08-07:00Faculty petition to dismiss Cal strength coach
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fLcIGioYDNhHLQC5KMqreX8-6fY=/0x22:3000x2022/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50033491/GettyImages-73909596.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Justin Sullivan/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>What a mess. </p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/7/5/12088842/cal-football-strength-conditioning-investigation-uc-berkeley-chancellor-dirks" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Despite the call by Chancellor Dirks for a new investigation into Cal Athletics</a>, particularly the structures and practices of the Cal strength and conditioning program, UC Berkeley faculty have gone a step further and petitioned for the suspension <a target="_blank" href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/6/30/12064528/damon-harrington-sonny-dykes-california-golden-bears-football-ted-agu-fabiano-hale" style="background-color: #ffffff;">(and effectively the removal) of Damon Harrington </a>until the investigation is concluded. Harrington's contract was reportedly set to be renewed last week. The petition has reached around 100 signatures.<a target="_blank" href="http://ucbfa.org/2016/06/enough-is-enough-petition-to-suspend-contract-renewal-of-football-coach-damon-harrington/" style="background-color: #ffffff;"> You can click here for a list of name</a>s.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://ucbfa.org/2016/06/enough-is-enough-petition-to-suspend-contract-renewal-of-football-coach-damon-harrington/">Below is the full response from UC Berkeley faculty</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Dear Chancellor Dirks:</p>
<p>The Berkeley Faculty Association requests the suspension of the renewal of the contract of football coach, Damon Harrington, pending further independent investigation. Harrington has allegedly been involved in two incidents: first, the over-exertion of football player, Ted Agu, leading to his death (for which the university had to pay $4.75 million in a civil suit in which the university admitted negligence); and second, provocation of team players to physically punish another player, leading to Fabiano Hale being knocked out unconscious. According to an extensive and detailed report in the <em>San Francisco Chronicle</em> (June 29), the investigation commissioned by the university exonerated Harrington without serious investigation of these incidents of abusive training. If there is any truth to the allegations in the <em>San Francisco Chronicle</em>, condoning such behavior of its employees is out of keeping with any university that is accountable to its students and concerned to protect their safety and welfare. We, therefore, call for further independent investigation before renewing Harrington's contract.</p>
<p>Yours Sincerely, Michael Burawoy and Celeste Langan for the Berkeley Faculty Association</p>
</blockquote>
https://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/7/6/12102366/uc-berkeley-faculty-petition-california-golden-bears-strength-damon-harringtonAvinash Kunnath2016-07-05T12:20:49-07:002016-07-05T12:20:49-07:00Davis Webb makes Maxwell Watch List
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Dw0L9HNGn7vzToNRchlkT_MrQXE=/147x0:1168x681/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50030741/Cmm8xmbUkAEW4ot.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption><a href='https://twitter.com/CalFootball/status/750338727377985537'>Cal Football</a></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Okay then. </p> <p>Davis Webb just arrived on campus a month ago, and Cal fans are pretty excited about him. You know who else is excited? The national media! Despite not playing a single snap for the Bears, college football writers have Webb making the preseason watch lists.</p>
<p>Webb was named to the Maxwell Award Watch List as the potential college player of the year in 2016. Given the nature of this award, I don't think this is the last watch list he will end up making.</p>
<p>A graduate transfer from the Red Raiders, Webb will have one year of eligibility with the Bears. He'll join a crowded quarterback competition that includes Chase Forrest, Ross Bowers, and Max Gilliam. Webb has had plenty of experience in the Air Raid in Lubbock, and should be right on equal footing with the rest of the competition, but it's starting to sound more and more like he's the favorite to win this job outright.</p>
<p>Webb is the second straight Cal quarterback to make the watch list, joining Jared Goff.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.calbears.com/news/2016/7/5/football-davis-webb-named-to-maxwell-award-watch-list.aspx">An excerpt form the full press release below</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Cal senior quarterback Davis Webb was named Tuesday to the 80th annual Maxwell Award Watch List for the honor given annually to the nation's College Player of the Year since 1937. The award is named in honor of Robert W. "Tiny" Maxwell for his extensive contributions to the game including time as a player, sportswriter and official.<br><br>Webb is a graduate transfer who received his bachelor's degree in exercise and sports science from Texas Tech in May of 2016 in his first season at Cal. He was previously on the Maxwell Award Watch List during his 2014 sophomore season with the Red Raiders and recently was the top senior quarterback for the 2017 NFL Draft by ESPN's Mel Kiper in May.<br><br>Webb completed 459-of-747 passes (61.4%) for 5,557 yards with 46 touchdowns and 22 interceptions for a 138.4 passer efficiency rating in 23 games played and 14 starts over the last three seasons at Texas Tech from 2013-15. He ranks eighth among the school's all-time leaders in passing touchdowns, 10th in passing yards and touchdowns responsible for (49), and 11th in passing completions, passing attempts and total offense (5,567).</p>
</blockquote>
https://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/7/5/12100258/california-golden-bears-davis-webb-maxwell-award-watch-listAvinash Kunnath2016-07-05T07:31:02-07:002016-07-05T07:31:02-07:00Full Dirks response to Chronicle article
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QWQ38fOz4g2djyRnycK8Q6wOJx0=/0x67:4484x3056/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50011903/usa-today-9005895.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Hope you had a Happy Fourth!</p> <p>For those looking to review all that has happened, let's bring you up to speed.</p>
<ul>
<li><span><a href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/6/30/12064528/damon-harrington-sonny-dykes-california-golden-bears-football-ted-agu-fabiano-hale" target="_blank">The San Francisco Chronicle wrote a pretty incendiary piece about the Cal strength and conditioning program, including strength coach Damon Harrington</a>.</span></li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/6/30/12069990/california-golden-bears-defend-strength-coach-damon-harrington" target="_blank">Cal football players were quick to jump the defense of Harrington and criticize the reporting of the Chronicle.</a> </span></li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/7/1/12086448/cal-football-strength-conditioning-program-to-be-investigated-by-uc-berkeley" target="_blank">After the article was released, Chancellor Nicholas Dirks ordered an investigation of the program</a>. </span></li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/7/2/12086102/san-francisco-chronicle-california-golden-bears-training-strength-drill-noose-group" target="_blank">The Chronicle got some things wrong about the origins of the Noose Group</a>.</span></li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/7/3/12088770/cal-athletics-california-golden-bears-san-francisco-chronicle" target="_blank">Cal Athletics issued a release defending the actions of their investigation</a>.</span></li>
</ul>
<p>Here is the full statement for Chancellor Nicholas Dirks for those of you want to see the full length of his argument, and it doesn't sound as bad as originally reported. Dirks defended the inquiry of the investigation and made it clear that this new investigation is only mean to confirm the original results and ensure adherence to all important structures of the program.</p>
<p>And yes, Dirks referenced our piece, much like Cal Athletics did in their defense. I'm in the Twilight Zone. <br><br>Below is the full response to the Chronicle article. <a href="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6742527/1640-Dirks_BFA_CalMessage.0.pdf">Chancellor Dirks response to Chronicle article</a>
</p>
<p><embed internalinstanceid="184" src="https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6742527/1640-Dirks_BFA_CalMessage.0.pdf" width="550" height="750"></embed></p>
https://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/7/5/12088842/cal-football-strength-conditioning-investigation-uc-berkeley-chancellor-dirksAvinash Kunnath2016-07-03T03:07:03-07:002016-07-03T03:07:03-07:00Cal Athletics issues response to Chronicle story
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/opuQo3yiRL2jchUsJP6kkKZsVm4=/0x58:2087x1449/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50011567/usa-today-9194196.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>And we are mentioned. Huh?</p> <p><a href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/6/30/12064528/damon-harrington-sonny-dykes-california-golden-bears-football-ted-agu-fabiano-hale" target="_blank">Cal Athletics issued their response to the San Francisco Chronicle article</a> on Saturday. It was a very strongly worded response where they criticized the Chronicle for their negative coverage of Cal sports.</p>
<p>The statement also denounced the Chronicle for utilizing long-standing critics of Cal Athletics for their pieces. They were left unnamed, but I imagine computer science professor Brian Barsky was among the many names in their mind.</p>
<p>They defended the findings of their initial investigation and reiterated their commitment to player safety and again made it clear that the strength and conditioning program were properly investigated in the wake of the assault on Cal football player Fabiano Hale and the death of Cal football player Ted Agu.</p>
<p>And for some reason, the California Golden Blogs is mentioned in the statement.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.scout.com/college/california/story/1683331-cal-athletics-responds-to-allegations" target="_blank">Here is the statement below in its entirety</a>.</p>
<blockquote>The recent series of articles in the San Francisco Chronicle on our football strength and conditioning program bring up a couple of issues from the past - important matters that nobody here has ever minimized or dismissed - but matters that have been properly investigated and adjudicated.</blockquote>
<blockquote>The investigation of football's strength and conditioning program was commissioned by (then) Vice Chancellor of Administration and Finance, John Wilton and (former) Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Sandy Barbour, and conducted by Dr. Jeffrey Tanji.</blockquote>
<blockquote>Dr. Tanji is a professional with the highest ethical standards and there is zero evidence to the contrary. The central finding of the Tanji report is absolutely clear: that the strength and conditioning program under Harrington's direction was in no significant respect different from football conditioning programs all over the country. In terms of the safety of the program, what stood out about it was its utter normalcy — a point not mentioned in the Chronicle piece, and also not disputed by it.</blockquote>
<blockquote>Our concern has always been, is, and will continue to be doing what is in the best interest of our student-athletes. The progress our football program has made over the past three years academically and athletically is well documented. The work our kids are doing in the community continues to shine. We are on an upward trajectory — the right trajectory — and we will continue to move in that direction. And, we will no longer allow negative stories that are based on and influenced by the opinion and conjecture of a couple of long-standing critics of intercollegiate athletics at Cal to derail the progress we have made and the positive path forward we are on.</blockquote>
<blockquote>Most importantly, our current student-athletes have spoken. Their voices are clear. They are the ones that should be heard. These are the young men who are in direct contact and impacted by Coach Harrington and Coach Dykes - everyday. Here is an example of what our student-athletes have to say:</blockquote>
<blockquote><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/6/30/12069990/california-golden-bears-defend-strength-coach-damon-harrington&source=gmail&ust=1467572092419000&usg=AFQjCNG3NKzqNrS6SVHEU4LTchP-n8tAvw" target="_blank" href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/6/30/12069990/california-golden-bears-defend-strength-coach-damon-harrington">http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/6/30/12069990/california-golden-bears-defend-strength-coach-damon-harrington</a></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://bearinsider.com/news/story.php?article%3D2098&source=gmail&ust=1467572092419000&usg=AFQjCNHxyjYovqoNSC318qNjS5q7ppH3_Q" target="_blank" href="http://bearinsider.com/news/story.php?article=2098">http://bearinsider.com/news/story.php?article=2098</a>.</blockquote>
<p>After complaints from the Berkeley Faculty Association were raised, <a href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/7/1/12086448/cal-football-strength-conditioning-program-to-be-investigated-by-uc-berkeley" target="_blank">Chancellor Nicholas Dirks has ordered a new investigation into the Cal football strength and conditioning program</a>.</p>
<p>Cal fans your thoughts on this statement from Cal Athletics?</p>
https://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2016/7/3/12088770/cal-athletics-california-golden-bears-san-francisco-chronicleAvinash Kunnath