http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/report--gus-malzahn-apologizes-to-veteran-after-alleged-harassment-from-auburn-players-173651405.htmlAuburn head coach Gus Malzahn apologized Tuesday to an AU student who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder after she said two football players harassed her and her service dog as she walked to class.
The student, 25-year-old Ashley Ozyurt, uses the service dog to help her with her PTSD, which stems from being sexually assaulted during her time in the Air Force.
Shari Duval, president of K9s for Warriors, told Al.com that Ozyurt was on her way to class on Auburn’s campus Tuesday morning when the two football players “started verbally accosting her, mocking her, hissing, and making kissing sounds†at the dog. When Ozyurt asked them to stop, Duval said the players “insulted her with profanity.â€
Ozyurt shared her account of the incident on the “Service Dog Memes†Facebook page. She wrote that after her encounter with the two players, her “PTSD took over and (she) withered to a crying mess.†She then attempted to attend her class, but “after 30 minutes of crying,†she left for home.
From Ozyurt’s Facebook post:
I have never had a negative experience like this, ever! Especially on Auburn's campus where I have been accepted and treated like family until now. In fact, I have commented many times Auburn on how the campus is a safe place for everyone. It is no longer a safe place for me. I am hurt, angered, and very humiliated. I expected more from my university's athletes.
Duval told Al.com that the two players, who she declined to identify, “acknowledged their actions and wish to apologize.â€
In addition to receiving a phone call from Malzahn, Ozyurt told WTVM that assistant athletic director of football David Gunn also called her and apologized.
Auburn released a statement to Al.com via Director of University Communications Mike Clardy on Wednesday morning.
"Auburn University condemns any behavior that is demeaning to those with disabilities,†the statement read. “We're investigating the reports and will take all appropriate action once all the facts are known."