Yes, we have all seen the video from Soldier Salute... It is beyond outrageous and something out of a bad movie about pro wrestling.... But, even though me might be surprised at how over the top it was, are any of us surprised AJ Ferrari caused/created a scene or fiasco? no none of us are. That should tell you something. Ask yourself, in an effort to have a top level 197# in the line up, which only lasts 2-3 years, does it create a very bad look and reputation to the Iowa program may last many years? The reputation that Iowa has no standards, no class, and will take on anyone no matter what if they're really good at wrestling. To make it even more of a head scratcher, it all went down with an opponent that is an Iowa wrestler, and with the Iowa coaches in the opposite corner. This really does provide an idea that maybe the young man has a screw loose, can't help himself, doesn't understand consequences for actions in the moment, or he is just an insufferable jackass. The last part was clear in 2021. if this is how they act when everyone is watching, what are they like when they think nobody is watching? The rumors are probably a good indicator of that. Lastly, an individual in the room such as AJ, runs the risk of being a virus, contributing to a very bad atmosphere and culture etc. I for one, had high hopes he had matured, and would join the program and contribute... Past behavior is indicative of future behavior.... and his actions are not a one/off moment or mistake but a pattern of being a jackass.
I have been a die hard Hawkeye wrestling fan since the Gary Kurdelmeier days... and, the current state is certainly disappointing, but Iowa is still a top program and the times have placed us in the Sanderson/PSU era for now. With that said, Iowa is the team everyone loves to hate. Why? Because Iowa was so dominant for so long. Other team's and other fans banded together to hate Iowa, which was coupled with Iowa's fierce aggressive physical style (now known as Iowa Style-even though it isn't demonstrated and practiced anymore by Iowa wrestlers like in the past). Having an AJ Ferrari on the team, especially after the latest antics, actually justify the Iowa hatred and will be hard to shake for years to come. Yes, it will damage the Iowa Wrestling brand. If AJ never competes for Iowa, but trains out of the Iowa wrestling room the virus and disruption is still there. Conclusion: Cut AJ loose. Lay down the rules, and expectations of behavior on and off the mat for Anthony (existing assault charges-on probation with deferred sentence) and Angelo with zero tolerance. If they choose to stay, they know the requirements.
I have been a die hard Hawkeye wrestling fan since the Gary Kurdelmeier days... and, the current state is certainly disappointing, but Iowa is still a top program and the times have placed us in the Sanderson/PSU era for now. With that said, Iowa is the team everyone loves to hate. Why? Because Iowa was so dominant for so long. Other team's and other fans banded together to hate Iowa, which was coupled with Iowa's fierce aggressive physical style (now known as Iowa Style-even though it isn't demonstrated and practiced anymore by Iowa wrestlers like in the past). Having an AJ Ferrari on the team, especially after the latest antics, actually justify the Iowa hatred and will be hard to shake for years to come. Yes, it will damage the Iowa Wrestling brand. If AJ never competes for Iowa, but trains out of the Iowa wrestling room the virus and disruption is still there. Conclusion: Cut AJ loose. Lay down the rules, and expectations of behavior on and off the mat for Anthony (existing assault charges-on probation with deferred sentence) and Angelo with zero tolerance. If they choose to stay, they know the requirements.