GVSU Coach Resigns After Hitler Comments
On Monday, Grand Valley State University Offensive Coordinator Morris Berger was suspended after making comments praising Hitler's leadership skills. The comments came one week after Berger was hired.
Today, Berger resigned from his position at GVSU.
The comments came from an interview with The Lanthorn, GVSU's student-run newspaper, conducted by sports editor Kellen Voss.
Berger was asked which three historical figures he'd like to have dinner with, Berger said:
This is probably not going to get a good review, but I’m going to say Adolf Hitler. It was obviously very sad and he had bad motives, but the way he was able to lead was second-to-none. How he rallied a group and a following, I want to know how he did that. Bad intentions of course, but you can’t deny he wasn’t a great leader.
Thursday afternoon, GVSU announced the decision to resign was a mutual agreement.
Grand Valley shared statements from both Berger and head coach Matt Mitchell.
Berger said:
Over the last 11 years I have taken great pride in the responsibility and privilege of being a teacher, coach, mentor, and a valued member of the community. I was excited and proud to be at Grand Valley, and am disappointed that I will not get the opportunity to help these players in 2020. However, I do not want to be a distraction to these kids, this great university, or Coach Mitchell as they begin preparations for the upcoming season.
Head coach Matt Mitchell said:
Nothing in our background and reference checks revealed anything that would have suggested the unfortunate controversy that has unfolded. This has been a difficult time for everyone. I accepted coach Berger’s resignation in an effort for him to move on and for us to focus on the team and our 2020 season.