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Colorado State players deny racism, abuse allegations made against staff

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Colorado State student-athletes broke their silence just one day after football-related activities were paused by the school amid allegations of racism and verbal abuse against its football program.

Rams wide receiver Thomas Pannunzio released a statement Saturday on behalf of his teammates strongly denying the allegations and supporting new head coach Steve Addazio.

"The allegation of racism and verbal abuse by the current football staff and specifically Coach Addazio is patently untrue," the statement read. "To the contrary, our experience since Coach Addazio's first day has been positive, welcoming, and focused on our development as student-athletes. To be absolutely clear, we have not experienced any racially insensitive comments to our teammates from the athletic department or coaching staff.

"The unfounded allegations from a disgruntled former coach and/or unnamed source is unfair, unjust, and creates the exact demeaning and painful wounds that can be caused by racism," Pannunzio added.

Colorado State athletic director Joe Parker halted all workouts and team meetings until the issues get resolved. The decision also came just days after several players and personnel went public about the program's poor handling of COVID-19 protocols.

Addazio is entering his first campaign as Colorado State head coach after spending the previous seven seasons at Boston College.

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