The Colorado Springs Switchbacks are aware of the accusations placed on Dennis Erdmann late last year. As a franchise we have a zero tolerance policy for bigotry or racism, and this type of behavior has never, and will never be allowed. Erdmann’s suspension was lifted by the DFB, and his fine was also rescinded after a further investigation failed to find cause within the accusation, and details of the panel disproved the veracity of the claims.
In over ten years at the highest level of play in a mixed racial environment, Erdmann has never had a reported race issue with teammates, coaches, officials, or opposing players. We have spoken with previous teammates and managers of Erdmann, who all testify to his upstanding character, including sporting director at 1. FC Saarbrücken, Jürgin Lunginger, who stated: “Dennis Erdman’s wish came as a surprise and is a bitter loss for us. Dennis was a player of real character and always behaved properly within the team. That’s why we didn’t put any obstacles in his way and respected his wish for a change of scenery.” Several members of his team stood by his side during the panel, testifying that none of them heard Erdmann make any of the remarks his single accuser claimed he said. 1860 Munich Head Coach Michael Köllner has also made statements in the past about Erdmann’s upstanding character, saying “I have to lie down and cry for losing such a player. You can wake Dennis at 4 a.m. and he will pick you up from Amsterdam.”
The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC take accusations of racism very seriously, and inclusion is one of our most important pillars in creating a cohesive team. After extensive research into the matter at hand, we stand by our decision to support Erdmann as he transitions into living and playing in the U.S and are confident that he is the kind of character who will uphold the values and morals that are essential to the Switchbacks name.
The Colorado Springs Switchbacks are aware of the accusations placed on Dennis Erdmann late last year. As a franchise we have a zero tolerance policy for bigotry or racism, and this type of behavior has never, and will never be allowed. Erdmann’s suspension was lifted by the DFB, and his fine was also rescinded after a further investigation failed to find cause within the accusation, and details of the panel disproved the veracity of the claims.
In over ten years at the highest level of play in a mixed racial environment, Erdmann has never had a reported race issue with teammates, coaches, officials, or opposing players. We have spoken with previous teammates and managers of Erdmann, who all testify to his upstanding character, including sporting director at 1. FC Saarbrücken, Jürgin Lunginger, who stated: “Dennis Erdman’s wish came as a surprise and is a bitter loss for us. Dennis was a player of real character and always behaved properly within the team. That’s why we didn’t put any obstacles in his way and respected his wish for a change of scenery.” Several members of his team stood by his side during the panel, testifying that none of them heard Erdmann make any of the remarks his single accuser claimed he said. 1860 Munich Head Coach Michael Köllner has also made statements in the past about Erdmann’s upstanding character, saying “I have to lie down and cry for losing such a player. You can wake Dennis at 4 a.m. and he will pick you up from Amsterdam.”
The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC take accusations of racism very seriously, and inclusion is one of our most important pillars in creating a cohesive team. After extensive research into the matter at hand, we stand by our decision to support Erdmann as he transitions into living and playing in the U.S and are confident that he is the kind of character who will uphold the values and morals that are essential to the Switchbacks name.