Nine Iowa Hawkeyes players and coaches returned to the locker room after Saturday night's win to find their that their lockers had been raided.
Sports Illustrated reports that the locker room was guarded by private security, and no one was allowed in without identification. Still, cell phones, cash – about $50 total - and other personal items went missing.
According to USA Today, Iowa athletic director Gary Barta insured the players and coaches that an investigation is under way, and "if the person(s) responsible are not identified, ISU Athletics will reimburse those who suffered losses."
Although the locker room didn't have security cameras, police captain Darin Van Ryswyk ensured that "We spoke to security … and they said procedure was followed." He further questioned how the incident could have happened since no one was allowed in. "It seems like we have counterfeit tickets for every game. Did someone counterfeit a pass for access to the locker room?"
A long list of suspects is now being investigated, but when the players and coaches discovered their possessions missing, it was tough to review the situation. "It was very hectic, as you would expect in a crowded locker room," Van Ryswyk said. "It was difficult to do a lot of investigating after the game. It's not a scene where we can just lift fingerprints – there were so many people in the locker room."
Anyone with information is asked to contact campus police.
Even with the drama, the Hawkeyes celebrated a 27-21 win over their rival, the Iowa State Cyclones, at the Jack Trice Stadium.
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
