Yesterday was crazy. Iowa leaked to the media that there was going to be a press release at 3:00 that would address Jewel Hampton's status. Well, 3:00 turned into 5:30 when the official statement was actually released. For those 2 and a half hours, the Hawkeye fanbase waited anxiously expecting the worst. The release itself was rather bland though. Jewel Hampton has decided to transfer, which had already been assumed, and Adam Robinson will not practice for or play in the Insight Bowl. The Robinson story is new, but given some of the rumors, not a surprise. He has the option to rejoin the team when the spring semester starts.
Here's the actual release:
IOWA CITY, IA – Sophomore running back Jewel Hampton has decided to leave the University of Iowa. And, sophomore running back Adam Robinson will not be part of the Hawkeye team that makes the trip to Arizona for the Insight Bowl. The announcement was made today by Head Football Coach Kirk Ferentz.
"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.
"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."
Hampton, a 5-9, 210-pounder from Indianapolis, IN, has been plagued by injury problems during his three years at Iowa. He has rushed for 577 yards and scored eight touchdowns as a Hawkeye. He was injured in the Arizona game earlier this season and was lost for the season following surgery.
Robinson, a 5-9, 205-pound back from Des Moines, IA, led the team in rushing with 941 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.
The big news, however, may be that Ferentz and AD Gary Barta are holding a press conference today at 10:00 a.m. to "discuss running back Jewel Hampton's transfer and the status of running back Adam Robinson." Iowa is saying this is essentially a Q&A opportunity, but rumors are saying it is something more. We will see.