LINCOLN — Less than two days after there appeared to be more turmoil surrounding the Nebraska softball program, all 19 players on the roster showed up for the Huskers’ first day of fall practice.
A two-page statement from the recently-formed College Athlete Advocacy Initiative, a social justice organization based in New York City, criticized Nebraska’s handling of accusations against coach Rhonda Revelle, who was reinstated Aug. 25 after a two-month investigation into her treatment of players.
That statement further detailed allegations against Revelle that players didn’t think were properly addressed by university officials. The investigation by Nebraska’s athletic department began after allegations were shared with school officials in postseason evaluation forms.
One of the options the CAAI statement suggested players were considering was boycotting Sunday’s practice. That didn’t happen.
When the players arrived for the 10 a.m. session at Bowlin Stadium, they headed to either the softball offices or the Gordon Training Center at Haymarket Park before taking the field.
Revelle and her two assistants Lori Sippel and Diane Miller were on the field leading the players through practice. Keith Zimmer, a senior associate athletic director at Nebraska, was also there.
The practice wrapped up in just under two hours. After returning to the clubhouse and seeing a handful of media outside the stadium, there was a players-only meeting.
Afterward, a statement from the players was delivered by a representative of NU’s athletic communications staff. “We started with a great conditioning test that everyone passed. We had a fun, energetic, high-paced team practice. We’re closer than we’ve ever been on and off the field,” the statement read.
Revelle, in her 28th year as Husker coach, declined to comment Sunday.
CAAI Executive Director Tim Nevius, who has been working with some of the players in recent weeks, didn’t immediately respond to a text request from The World-Herald seeking comment on the team practicing and their postpractice statement.
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Photos: Nebraska softball coach Rhonda Revelle through the years
Rhonda Revelle works with a player during a hitting drill at practice on May 12, 1998.
Rhonda Revelle opens up the game ball with her catcher Amber Burgess, left, and pitcher Katie Decker, right, in a pregame ritual before facing Creighton on April 21, 2001.
Rhonda Revelle congratulates Peaches James during a game against Notre Dame on April 23, 2002.
Rhonda Revelle welcomes Ashley Eoriatti to practice on Jan. 13, 2003.
Rhonda Revelle jumps on the back of Lori Sippel after beating Texas A&M on May 2, 2004.
Rhonda Revelle swarms Jamie Waldecker after a game-winning RBI against Texas A&M on May 2, 2004.
Rhonda Revelle congratulates Jamie Waldecker after a grand slam to help beat Oklahoma State on April 28, 2007.
Rhonda Revelle bumps fists Crystal Carwile after Carwile hit a two-run homer against Iowa State on April 29, 2008.
Rhonda Revelle looks at the outfield during a game against Iowa State on April 29, 2008.
Rhonda Revelle congratulates Heidi Foland after a first-inning home run against Creighton on April 7, 2010.
Rhonda Revelle pats Taylor Edwards on the helmet after a third-inning homer against Oklahoma on March 26, 2011.
Rhonda Revelle leads a huddle after Nebraska beat Creighton on March 30, 2011.
Rhonda Revelle removes a bat from the field during a game against Creighton on March 30, 2011.
Rhonda Revelle talks to Taylor Edwards after a RBI hit against Northwestern on March 23, 2012.
Rhonda Revelle looks at something in Gabby Banda's eye before the start of the sixth inning against Creighton on April 11, 2012.
Rhonda Revelle celebrates with Alicia Armstrong after an RBI base hit in the first inning against New Mexico State on March 15, 2013.
Rhonda Revelle coaches first base during a game against New Mexico State on March 15, 2013.
Rhonda Revelle sends in a sign against New Mexico State on March 15, 2013.
Rhonda Revelle walks to first base against New Mexico State on March 15, 2013.
Rhonda Revelle congratulates her team after beating Stanford in a regional final on May 19, 2013.
Rhonda Revelle watches her team practice on May 31, 2013.
Rhonda Revelle discusses strategy during practice on May 31, 2013.
Rhonda Revelle signals safe as players celebrate a game-tying run in the seventh inning against Florida in the Women's College World Series on June 1, 2013.
Rhonda Revelle shouts to her players as they face Creighton on April 25, 2017.
Rhonda Revelle during her team's first practice of the 2015 season on Jan. 12, 2015.
Rhonda Revelle talks with her team during their first practice of the 2015 season on Jan. 12, 2015.
Rhonda Revelle gives advice to Kat Woolman in a game against UNO on April 15, 2015.
Rhonda Revelle celebrates after Nebraska defeats Iowa on April 6, 2016.
Rhonda Revelle cheers on Cassie McClure after a home run in the first inning against UNO on March 22, 2017.
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(7) comments
Sometimes you have to call a bluff.
Moos would not reinstate her if there were any question about her. If she's not the coach for you; move on. Don't poison the rest of the team.
Sounds like a New York slick was at work once again.
All talk and no action.
Well on the bright side we can hope UNL softball loses all of it's games.
We have seen many instances where a great coach failed to see the needed changes until the need was thrown at them like a bucket of ice water. Still to be seen is the response to changes this coach is being told she needs to make to her coaching style. Other greats shifted without such drama- "the Bob father" did. Osborne did. Pettit did. Allen did. Isn't it a balance between current recruited students welfare and needs, and doing what it takes in forming them into complete athletes capable of winning? How can you deny that she recruited these players and what ever attitudes they brought with them (that competed at a very high level in high school), and accepted the mission of caring for them while in college. Revelle in some part failed them up to now. Please stop bashing the athletes.
CAAI in New York should stay out of this.
But, they need to socially justicize things. they is important.
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