ALLENDALE, Mich. (AP) — Grand Valley State suspended offensive coordinator Morris Berger on Monday after the school newspaper quoted him as saying he would like to meet Adolf Hitler and no one could deny the Nazi "wasn't a great leader."
The university is investigating Berger's comments, according to WXMI -TV. His hiring was announced last week.
Berger was being interviewed Thursday by The Lanthorn sports editor and was asked which three historical figures he would like to have dinner with.
"This is probably not going to get a good review, but I'm going to say, Adolf Hitler," he said. "It was very sad, and he had bad motives, but the way he was able to lead was second-to-none. How he rallied a group and a following, I want to know how he did that. Bad intentions, of course, but you can't deny he wasn't a great leader."
Berger also said he would like to meet President John F. Kennedy because of "his experience with the country and being that he was a good president and everything." Christopher Columbus was his third choice due to "the ability to go on the journey he was on ... into the unknown," Berger said.
Berger's comments, "as reported in The Lanthorn student newspaper do not reflect the values of Grand Valley State University," the school said in a statement announcing the suspension.
The Associated Press was unable to find a phone listing for Berger. An email seeking comment was sent Monday to his university account.
The athletic department website says Berger holds a bachelor's degree in history and a master's in educational psychology.
Berger joined Grand Valley State after spending a season as Texas State's tight ends coach. Berger also spent time on the football staff at Oklahoma State.
© 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Newly Hired Grand Valley Assistant Coach Suspended for Hitler Comment
/ CBS Detroit
ALLENDALE, Mich. (AP) — Grand Valley State suspended offensive coordinator Morris Berger on Monday after the school newspaper quoted him as saying he would like to meet Adolf Hitler and no one could deny the Nazi "wasn't a great leader."
The university is investigating Berger's comments, according to WXMI -TV. His hiring was announced last week.
Berger was being interviewed Thursday by The Lanthorn sports editor and was asked which three historical figures he would like to have dinner with.
"This is probably not going to get a good review, but I'm going to say, Adolf Hitler," he said. "It was very sad, and he had bad motives, but the way he was able to lead was second-to-none. How he rallied a group and a following, I want to know how he did that. Bad intentions, of course, but you can't deny he wasn't a great leader."
Berger also said he would like to meet President John F. Kennedy because of "his experience with the country and being that he was a good president and everything." Christopher Columbus was his third choice due to "the ability to go on the journey he was on ... into the unknown," Berger said.
Berger's comments, "as reported in The Lanthorn student newspaper do not reflect the values of Grand Valley State University," the school said in a statement announcing the suspension.
The Associated Press was unable to find a phone listing for Berger. An email seeking comment was sent Monday to his university account.
The athletic department website says Berger holds a bachelor's degree in history and a master's in educational psychology.
Berger joined Grand Valley State after spending a season as Texas State's tight ends coach. Berger also spent time on the football staff at Oklahoma State.
© 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Featured Local Savings
CBS News Detroit
County commissioner condemns racist, homophobic comments at New Trier game
Massachusetts lawmakers scrap Healey's plan to suspend gas tax
2 Massachusetts State Police troopers suspended in Martha's Vineyard rape investigation
Schottenheimer stands firm amid Cowboys' struggles: "I know what a great coach I am"
AG James moves to dismiss challenge to Cornell investigation
2 corrections officers fired, another suspended after alleged inmate beating
Jerry Jones rules out more Cowboys coaching changes but leaves door open for roster moves
Maryland students react to Mike Locksley's departure as football coach