Mankato players refusing to play for coach

It didn't take long for the soap opera to begin in Mankato, where former coach Todd Hoffner began his second term as coach of the team today.

Hoffner yesterday announced he was reclaiming his job, nearly two years after Minnesota State Mankato suspended and then fired him after his arrest on charges stemming from cellphone photos he took of his kids at bath time.

The team was to hold its spring practice this afternoon.

Instead, players refused to suit up and said they want interim coach Aaron Keen to keep the job he got after Hoffner's firing, according to the Mankato Free Press.

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""We want information. We want answers. We've decided not to practice because of a change-up in the coaching situation," the players said.

"Throughout this process, our voice has been silenced. It's time our voice was heard," junior safety Sam Thompson said.

Only three players showed up in regular practice clothing, the school's newspaper, The Reporter, said.

Hoffner wouldn't comment.