The Hawaii Senate hammered The University of Hawaii football coach Todd Graham, AD David Matlin and President David Lassner about the state of their athletic program.

This hearing was initiated after the departures of more than a dozen football players after the 2021 football season.

Graham, a veteran coach who was in his second year at UH, has been accused of mistreating former and current players as well as their families.

On Friday, the University of Hawaii’s football coach Todd Graham and AD David Matlin were questioned by the Hawaii Senate.

After the hearing, Sen. Kurt Fevella used Facebook Live to start a petition to have Graham, Lassner, and Matlin fired.

Ex-players and their families testified about the mental and physical abuse they suffered over these past two years.

The Senate Ways and Means and Higher Education Committees followed with pointed questions.

Graham was finally allowed to speak after the hearing ended. He acknowledged that he had some issues with his old school coaching style. Graham acknowledged that it was a stressful two years due to the pandemic and lack of a home football stadium, but that he is still learning.

“Obviously, there are things I have learned. Graham stated “that you must evolve.

Graham stated, “Going back as a coach and reflecting on that, you always want your players to know you love them.” So, more empathy and those types of things.

Derek Thomas, a former defensive lineman, said that Coach Graham had “truly stripped the love out of a lot people.”