On Friday, January 28, 2022, we filed a motion on behalf of our 13 Plaintiffs asking the court to compel Iowa to produce documents related to the 2020 Husch Blackwell investigation into the Iowa Football Program.
Even though Iowa has repeatedly told the public the investigation would be “independent” and "impartial" when it was first announced as a step the University was taking in response to public disclosures of racism within the Iowa football program, the University is now seeking to avoid being held accountable by withholding all documents related to the investigation, claiming it was conducted in the context of a traditional attorney-client relationship and in anticipation of litigation.
If Iowa’s position is true, then that would mean the University persistently lied to the public about the nature of the investigation and induced current and former athletes (including some of the Plaintiffs) to participate and provide information, under false pretenses, to help defend itself from legitimate claims such as those of our clients.
On the other hand, if it is determined that Husch Blackwell’s investigation was in fact independent, external, and impartial, then no privilege ever attached. Either way, we are asking the Court to order Iowa to produce the documents, because they are not protected by law from disclosure.
Click below to download the filing.