Initially the season was believed to have been canceled (a la Harvard men's soccer), but Columbia University athletic director Peter Pilling issued a statement on Thursday clarifying that the investigation is ongoing and no determination regarding the season had yet been made.
The backlash towards the Columbia wrestling program has been immense with repudiations trickling in from around the sporting world. While most wrestlers and fans agree that the language is inappropriate, the truth remains that the vast majority has either lived with these remarks in their locker rooms, or are aware that they exist within collegiate programs.
I was an assistant wrestling coach at Columbia University from 2005-2008 and at no point did this type of behavior live within the team. We had our share of disciplinary issues, but most were behavioral or academic, with none rising to the seriousness of these latest allegations.
Yet as a coach I was understandably insulated from knowledge of their worst behavior. As a staff it was possible that we might hear about fights and minor altercations, but it would have been somewhat unprecedented for us to be read-in on the daily going-ons of group chats or common banter.
Like Hudson Taylor mentioned in his piece on the matter, while we as coaches may not have heard anything we are still informed on the situation from our competitive days. My years were pre-Facebook, pre-Twitter and mostly pre-text message, but the culture of our team was undeniably misogynistic and what many would consider anti-LGBT. For the first few years there was no effective voice within our team to tell us to tone it down.
As for race, I can't say with absolute certainty that we were without racial issues, but we had several black athletes on the team and I don't recall overhearing any name-calling, and certainly there was no disparity in treatment. The only memory of a racial slur being used at the time was when a Southern fraternity (already well known for its racism) used the N-word after denying my roommate entrance to a party. As a consequence more than half the wrestling team descended on the fraternity to let them know we didn't stand for such behavior.
In looking at our sport it's undeniable that racism, misogyny and an anti-LGBT attitude exist, but unlike most other sports I think we are well-equipped to fight that behavior, but have so far (save Hudson Taylor) lacked the courage.
Wrestling is a sport of big men and bigger egos, yet we are immobilized by cowardice. Leaders in our sport are either too afraid to call out their colleagues, feeling the same way themselves, or fearful of missing out on a buck. We've become comfy in tweeting out banalities and shouting down those who think that the sport should make progressive changes, instead of advocating for real change. To me the behavior has always been wimpish, but now increasingly it seems contagious.
We know that today's world is primed for anger and reductive thought. In 2016 there has been a record-shattering number of hate crimes committed and more seem to hit the news every day. The general attitude among Americans has been somewhere between ideologically divisiveness and outright class and racial warfare.
It doesn't take a big man to throw an insult, and maybe writing that makes me sound sanctimonious or self-righteous, but if you stare long enough at the culture of wrestling in America you should be disturbed and you should want to act for its betterment. Columbia was not an isolated incident. Racism and misogyny are a reality of our sport. The vocal nature of those who believe in backward thoughts like these pollute the culture of our sport and without a radical shakeup it's certain to worsen.
Let's find the mettle to make positive change. Instead of protecting a brand, or worrying about the fallout for correcting the immoral behavior of others it's time to be fearless and take a stand for what is right. Tell the bullies and trolls to take it elsewhere. Don't shrink. We can improve our sport by calling out their behavior in-person and online.
Wrestling doesn't have to settle for the lowest common denominator, we just have to summon the nerve fight for something healthier.
To your questions …
James Green went undefeated at the Freestyle World Cup in LA (Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)Q: Do you see both Logan Stieber and James Green as potential medalists at the Non-Olympic Weight Class World Championships this year? Who has the better chance to strike gold?
-- Mike C.
Foley: James Green is in a slightly less-stacked weight class and has medaled at the World Championships, which gives him a better edge to place at this year's World Championships.
Stieber is a monster, but I'm concerned that his style is still too open for the international level. While the refereeing is never totally without bias, even a totally impartial jury will be likely to award some points for many of Stieber's moves during the finals with Jordan Oliver.
In the USA we are used to seeing that type of funk roll, but at the international level any exposure (or near-exposure) is seen as a reason to gain points or throw the cube. Remember that international wrestling is about technique and NOT control, which doesn't play well into Stieber's current game planning, especially when he's tired.
Green is a little more compact and strict with his movements. I like his chances to take home as high as silver. Would put him as a long shot for gold with Russia and Azerbaijan likely to bring top competitors.
Q: When will Iran allow me to open a Five Guys franchise in Tehran?
-- @JaroslavWrestle
Foley: Will you have a burger named after Yazdani? If so, you might be able to get some great traction with the political class.
What are your thoughts on Mark Hall's redshirt at PSU?
-- @dmehcsg
Foley: I'm a believer in both outcomes. Mark Hall has the talent to win this season or next season. Should Coach Cael decide to use Hall halfway through the season I think we'd see an All-American performance.
Penn State might win the NCAA tournament with Hall on the sidelines, and it's common logic (though not always accurate) that another year of on-the-mat maturity can help some college wrestlers win additional hardware during their four years of eligibility.
Assuming Hall sees himself as a four-time NCAA champion I think this is the right decision … for now.
Q: Kyle Snyder is expected to face Tanner Hall this weekend. The betting line is Snyder -6.5. What side are you betting?
-- Mike C.
Foley: Tanner Hall is a real talent, but I'll take Snyder by technical fall. Too much gas tank.
Q: How about Yoel Romero destroying Chris Weidman?
-- Ryan O.
Foley: Yoel Romero is an absolute freak of nature! The athleticism at his age and his killer instinct are very rare. But when you factor in his increasing ring savvy he has the makings of a superstar champion. Assuming Romero gets his title fight against Michael Bisping I'd expect to see the first-ever UFC champion from Cuba.
As for Chris Weidman I think he is having some confidence issues post neck surgery. While he was the right fighter to beat Anderson Silva, the neck injury will likely put him on the downslope of his career. Incredible talent, but age and injuries eventually snag every fighter.
Also, for Weidman it'll be even more difficult to bounce back after consecutive losses -- the second of which was a flying knee to the head.
As our friends at Bali MMA say so succinctly: "Fighting is crazy, man."
Q: Will UWW ever do anything substantial about Russia's PED usage, official bribing and their president abusing a female athlete?
-- @Bpaynecpa727
Foley: I can't predict the outcome of any investigation, but all the matters you mentioned are in front of the organization, not behind. There is a bureau meeting in a few weeks where these and other matters are sure to be discussed. That will be a closed-door meeting, but one can assume that opinions will be expressed and updates on all investigations will be decided. Once I know more I'll be sure to share!
As a side note, the official "bribing" is more hullabahoo and hot air than anything substantial. Influences are certainly something to be investigated, but I'd be cautious about using the word bribery without ANY substantiating evidence.
Q: Is Zahid Valencia the most impressive freshman in NCAA wrestling?
-- Mike C.
Foley: It's early, but Nick Suriano ain't bad.
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