BREAKING: WVU DC Vic Koenning Placed on Administrative Leave

Earlier today, West Virginia sophomore safety Kerry Martin Jr. took to social media voicing for change within the Mountaineer football program. Martin squarely talked about previous actions and remarks made by defensive coordinator Vic Koenning.

I’ve been contemplating about posting but we need a change in our program. pic.twitter.com/40hZYXjxib
— Kerry “KJ” Martin Jr. (@_thekerrymartin) June 23, 2020

In Martin's tweet, he stated that Koenning "antagonized" former West Virginia safety Derrek Pitts for his religious beliefs. In addition, Martin stated that following a spring practice in 2019, Koenning said "everybody get in the house and upstairs to the meeting," which Martin said made him feel like property. Fast forwarding to this past fall, Martin noted that Koenning also mentioned how president Donald Trump should “build the wall and keep Hispanics out of the country.”

Recently in a virtual team meeting, Koenning talked about the social injustice protests saying, "If people did not want to get tear gassed, or push back by the police, then they shouldn’t be outside protesting.”

Several players such as wide receivers Sam James and Bryce Wheaton back up Martin's statements on Koenning.

“I won’t take the stand but ill take a stand for what I believe” https://t.co/Jk8kSobDZm
— Sam James (@Samjames_13) June 23, 2020

In a statement released by athletic director Shane Lyons, Koenning will be officially placed on administrative leave.

"I want to thank Kerry Martin for having the courage to bring his concerns to light. We will not tolerate any form of racism, discrimination or bias on our campus, including our athletic programs. Coach has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately, and the department will work with the appropriate parties to conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations. This is serious, and we will act appropriately and in the best interests of our student-athletes."

In a series of tweets throughout the day, Martin has made it clear that he is not calling for Koenning's job, but wants to see change.

I think this the part everyone skipping over. https://t.co/zROdA7GE4x
— Kerry “KJ” Martin Jr. (@_thekerrymartin) June 23, 2020

This is 100% true. Coach Vic did visit me in Charleston to bring me food and as I said in my initial post he has done good by me and he is not a bad person but his thoughts and beliefs are mislead. https://t.co/BduS6OCWDv
— Kerry “KJ” Martin Jr. (@_thekerrymartin) June 23, 2020

Stay tuned to Mountaineer Maven as we will be bringing you the latest updates on this developing story.

What do you think about the allegations made toward Vic Koenning? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!

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