Alford won’t respond to criticism over Pierce case

Iowa basketball coach Steve Alford says he won’t respond to students and faculty members who are angry with a plea bargain agreement for Hawkeye sophomore Pierre Pierce, wo had been charged with sexual assault. Demonstrators gathered outside of Carver-Hawkeye arena prior to the Hawkeyes’ exhibition game on Wednesday night and some held signs calling for Alford’s dismissal. Alford says he’s been blessed to be where he is and he says he can’t change the judgements and opinions of people, he says all he can do is what is in the inner self.Alford says dealing with criticism is just part of the business.He says the same person could’ve been holding up a sign two years ago when they won the Big Ten tournament saying, “long term contract” wanting him to stay at Iowa. The Hawkeyes open the season at home Sunday night against Florida Atlantic.