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Indiana reconciles with 10 players who boycotted in ’69

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) – Indiana says it has reconciled with and welcomed back 10 football players who boycotted the last three games in 1969 because the coaching staff would not adequately address their concerns about unequal treatment on the basis of race.

The university announced the reconciliation Thursday and said the so-called “IU 10” played an important role “in drawing attention to, and thereby improving, race relations at Indiana University during a tumultuous era in American history.”

The reconciliation effort was led by one of the 10 players, Michael Adams, and included athletic director Fred Glass, football administrator and former player Anthony Thompson, and other senior university officials.

Indiana also plans to establish permanent displays on campus recognizing the 10 players.

After the boycott, coach John Pont allowed the players to keep their scholarships.