A settlement was reached between attorneys for the University of Iowa and plaintiffs for former athletes suing the football program for racial discrimination, according to court filings Monday morning in U.S. District Court and documents obtained by The Athletic.

The University of Iowa and the state Board of Regents will pay $4.175 million to 12 former players and their attorneys plus cover court costs. Head coach Kirk Ferentz, offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, athletic director Gary Barta and former football strength coach Chris Doyle were dismissed as defendants with prejudice (cannot be refiled). Linebackers coach Seth Wallace wasn’t deposed and was dismissed from the suit a week before his current and former colleagues.

Of the $4.175 million, nearly $1.9 million will go toward attorney fees, and $35,837.41 will go toward court costs. About $2.26 million will be divided among the former players. The University of Iowa will pay $2.175 million while the Board of Regents will pay $2 million, with the State Appeal Board voting to approve the settlement 2-1 on Monday afternoon.

Iowa state auditor Rob Sand said earlier in the day he would oppose the settlement if the university retains Barta, who has led the department since 2006. Sand is one of three members of the State Appeal Board, which meets Monday afternoon to approve the settlement.

“Under Gary Barta’s leadership at the University of Iowa Athletics Department, we’ve had the Peter Gray scandal plus three instances of discrimination totaling nearly $7 million in damages (setting aside other suits),” Sand said in a statement to other board members and first reported by The Des Moines Register. “After (a $6.6 million settlement to former associate athletics director Jane Meyer and field hockey coach Tracey Griesbaum on gender and sexual discrimination claims), Barta asserted no wrong was done. Now we have a new matter for $4 million more, and for the first time, they want part paid from the taxpayers’ general fund, even though they now collect tens of millions annually (through) the Big Ten TV deal.

“Enough is enough. Clear personal accountability is necessary. I will not support taxpayers funding this settlement unless Gary Barta is no longer employed at the university and forfeits any severance or similar pay. I encourage you to join me. Real accountability will help prevent discrimination, protecting both taxpayers and future victims.”