University of Minnesota football players ended their boycott of the team Saturday morning and "will immediately begin preparations" to play in the Holiday Bowl.
Several players gathered at the football complex Saturday morning to announce the team's plans.
The players' statement reads, in part:
"As a team, we understand that what has occurred these past few days, and playing football for the University of Minnesota, is larger than just us. ...
"We now ask that you, the members of the media, our fans, and the general public hold all of us accountable for ensuring that our teammates are treated fairly, along with any and all victims of sexual assault. We also ask that the public dialogue related to the apparent lack of due process in a university system is openly discussed and evaluated.
"As football players, we know that we represent this University and this state and that we are held to a higher standard. We want to express our deepest gratitude to our coaching staff and so many others for their support during this difficult time, and we hope that our fans and community understand why we took the actions that we did.
"Our thoughts and prayers are for the well-being of the woman involved in the original incident, and for our 10 teammates to ensure that they are treated fairly. We look forward to representing the University of Minnesota and the state of Minnesota in the Holiday Bowl in a way that makes all of you proud."
Late Friday night, many players left the Gophers football complex after meeting with University President Eric Kaler and other school leaders convinced the team would boycott the bowl, sources said.
The players stance then, sources said, was to stick to their boycott of all team activities due to 10 teammates being suspended earlier this week after a sexual assault investigation was conducted by the university. No charges were filed against the players, but federal law requires universities to investigate sexual assault allegations.
Sources said the players continued to discuss the boycott through the night. The players were up all night, senior receiver Drew Wolitarsky said Saturday morning.
The players prepared a statement, obtained early Saturday by the Star Tribune, and Wolitarsky read it at an impromptu 9 a.m. media session on campus. The statement starts by condemning violence against women and sexual assault.
The players took biggest issue with "due process" and "communication."
"We're disappointed at the lack of communication" on the part of school leaders, Wolitarsky said, reading from the players' statement.
"After many hours of discussion within our team, and after speaking with President Kaler, it became clear that our original request of having the 10 suspensions overturned was not going to happen," the statement read.
The players did not take questions after reading the team's statement.
After the announcement by Wolitarsky and the players, Kaler spoke with the media and said: "We will judge (the suspended players) very fairly. I'm grateful the student athletes ended the boycott."
Athletic director Mark Coyle added: "I'm thankful our football team came to a resolution and I'm happy we will be playing in Holiday Bowl vs. Washington State."
Head coach Tracy Claeys, who had previously tweeted his support of his players on Thursday night, was not seen and did not speak with the media.
