Derrell Johnson-Koulianos rips Iowa, Ferentz

We all know about the on-field production Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (DJK) gave the Iowa Hawkeyes during his time as a student-athlete at the University of Iowa.  However, we all know about the off the field trouble DJK had as well.

DJK is the current leader in receiving yards and receptions for the Iowa Hawkeye football program.  He is also third in career touchdowns and fifth in all-purpose yards.  He did some insane things when the football was thrown or punted his way, there is no denying that.  However, the star wide receiver would be dismissed by Head Coach Kirk Ferentz just before the 2010 Insight Bowl because he was arrested for possession of drugs.

DJK might’ve been on his way to a great career in the NFL if it weren’t for his arrest.

He made a stop in Iowa to play for the Arena League team, the Iowa Barnstormers.  DJK was just recently cut from the team, but has no hard feelings for the program or any of the coaches or players.

"“He wasn’t catching on as quickly to the indoor game as other receivers. … If this was outdoor game, he’d still be here. He’ll do well in Montreal. He just wasn’t getting the walls and motion.” – Mike Hohensee, hawkcentral.com"

It appears that there were no off the field issues with DJK and the Barnstormers, the decision came based on football and football alone.

After his release, DJK took to Twitter and appears to be ripping the Iowa Hawkeye football program and their leader, Kirk Ferentz.  Derrell had this to say via Twitter earlier in the day.

"“I knew after my first conversation with KF at Iowa it wasn’t. Going to be a good relationship.” – Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, (@coachkoul)"

That makes me wonder why DJK didn’t consider transferring as an option to get out of Iowa City.  Derrell does spend some time ripping into the organization and it’s coach, but in the end, he does own up to mistakes that he made, this time it was also via Twitter.

"“Not blaming anybody. I take ownership for how it went down 100%. But it’s only fair people know all the truth.” – Derrell Johnson-Koulianos"

I don’t want to paint DJK in a bad light here because as a student at any university, it can be hard, and it may be even more difficult as a student-athlete.  It appears as though DJK will now get ready for a comeback in the CFL as his next stop will be in Montreal.  He has also been writing a book on his experiences at the University of Iowa and why he feels it made him a better person.  This book is also being written because he wants everyone to know the truth behind the situation.

According to DJK, the book will be in Iowa and Ohio bookstores by mid-summer 2014.