Iowa Hawkeyes Press Conference Reveals No New Drug Suspensions

The rumors surrounding the Iowa Hawkeyes football program were running hot and heavy that the team could lose up to 10 players for the Insight Bowl. That would have been 10 players in addition to wide receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos and running back Adam Robinson who were already suspended for the game.

Today's press conference by Head Coach Kirk Ferentz and Athletic Director Gary Barta instead talked about the previously announced dismissals and the Universities drug testing policies. An concerning part of this scandal was Johnson-Koulianos' ability to somehow cheat the drug test system.

According to AD Barta, the school performs 800-900 tests each year on all of its student athletes and that they will try and find ways to improve the testing process. He reported that there were no other athletes expected to have failed drug tests. 

In addition to the Robinson and Johnson-Koulianos suspensions, the team also lost sophomore running back Jewel Hampton this week. Hamptom  suffered a season-ending injury while playing the Arizona Wildcats earlier in the season so his loss won't impact the Hawkeyes as much as Robinson. Freshman Marcus Coker will likely be asked carry the ball for Iowa.

"Jewel Hampton has decided to leave the team and plans to transfer to another school to complete his degree and finish his career. We wish him the best of success in the future," said Ferentz in a press release. "While Adam has been cleared medically, he will not be participating in the upcoming Insight Bowl game as a result of failing to comply with team expectations and policies. Adam will have the option to rejoin the team when classes resume in January."

The Iowa Hawkeyes are a 1.5 point underdog against the Missouri Tigers at the Insight Bowl which will held at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, AZ on December 28.

Iowa Hawkeyes Key Players Suspended For Insight Bowl In Tempe

The Insight Bowl has a strong tradition in Arizona, dating back to 1989. This year's match-up features the Iowa Hawkeyes versus the Missouri Tigers in a battle of college football "names" that rivals the Fiesta Bowl who got stuck with UConn vs. Oklahoma. Unfortunately for college football and Iowa Hawkeye fans, the Black and Gold will be coming to town without two of their key players. Iowa wide receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos and running back Adam Robinson were both suspended for being very naughty boys.

Johnson-Koulianos has reportedly been suspended from team activities following a drug-related arrest Tuesday in which reportedly was running a drug house. According to the Iowa City Press-Citizen and The Des Moines Register, Johnson- Koulianos' residence was found to contain marijuana, cocaine and prescription drugs. Johnson-Koulianos apparently admitted to using drugs.

The report states that Johnson-Koulianos has been charged with four counts of possession of a controlled substance, two counts of unlawful possession of prescription drugs and keeping a drug house. If he is convicted on each count, Johnson-Koulianos could face up to eight years in prison.

Head coach Kirk Ferentz immediately suspended Johnson-Koulianos from all team activities. 

The reason for Adam Robinson's suspension is less clear with the team only saying that he failed "to comply with team expectations and policies. Adam will have the option to rejoin the team when classes resume in January." Robinson had missed a game already this year due to academic issues.

Robinson led the team with 941 yards and 10 touchdowns on 203 carries this season. He will be eligible to return to the team once classes begin in the new semester next month.

Hawkeye's blog Black Heart Gold Pants reports that rumors are swirling about additional problems on the Iowa team which could be addressed a press conference being held today.