April 5, 2013. Mike Rice, Rutgers University Head Basketball Coach has been
called passionate about the game. I don’t think I would call him passionate. Crazy is more
like it. Mike Rice was fired after a video surfaced of him clearly out of control and going
ballistic on his players.
On Wednesday, ESPN broadcast a video showing the coach kicking, grabbing, throwing balls and
screaming gay slurs at the players. ESPN obtained the video from the former Director of Player
Development, Eric Murdock who was fired for insubordination for reasons unrelated to the video.
Well alright then.
The former coach’s behavior on the video may have been a shock to the public, but his antics
were no surprise to Rutgers Officials. Although the President of the University Robert Barchi publicly
stated that he first saw the video when it aired on ESPN, the Athletic Director Mr. Tim Pernetti had for
sure seen the video back in November . At that time Mike Rice was quietly reprimanded. In December he was
suspended for three games, fined $75,000 and required to attend anger management classes.
In a written statement Mr. Pernetti said "I am responsible for the decision to attempt a rehabilitation of
Coach Rice. Dismissal and corrective action were debated in December and I thought it was in the best interest
ofeveryone to rehabilitate, but I was wrong. Moving forward, I will work to regain the trust of the Rutgers
community."
Although the University President Mr. Barchi had not viewed the video until Wednesday, he did state that
he was aware of Mr. Rice’s behavior and after an outside investigation recommended suspension, he agreed and
complied. After recently viewing the video, Mr. Barchi said the video showed a "chronic and pervasive pattern of disturbing behavior." I have now reached the conclusion that Coach Rice cannot continue to serve effectively in a position that demands the highest levels of leadership, responsibility and public accountability. He cannot continue to coach at Rutgers University."
called passionate about the game. I don’t think I would call him passionate. Crazy is more
like it. Mike Rice was fired after a video surfaced of him clearly out of control and going
ballistic on his players.
On Wednesday, ESPN broadcast a video showing the coach kicking, grabbing, throwing balls and
screaming gay slurs at the players. ESPN obtained the video from the former Director of Player
Development, Eric Murdock who was fired for insubordination for reasons unrelated to the video.
Well alright then.
The former coach’s behavior on the video may have been a shock to the public, but his antics
were no surprise to Rutgers Officials. Although the President of the University Robert Barchi publicly
stated that he first saw the video when it aired on ESPN, the Athletic Director Mr. Tim Pernetti had for
sure seen the video back in November . At that time Mike Rice was quietly reprimanded. In December he was
suspended for three games, fined $75,000 and required to attend anger management classes.
In a written statement Mr. Pernetti said "I am responsible for the decision to attempt a rehabilitation of
Coach Rice. Dismissal and corrective action were debated in December and I thought it was in the best interest
ofeveryone to rehabilitate, but I was wrong. Moving forward, I will work to regain the trust of the Rutgers
community."
Although the University President Mr. Barchi had not viewed the video until Wednesday, he did state that
he was aware of Mr. Rice’s behavior and after an outside investigation recommended suspension, he agreed and
complied. After recently viewing the video, Mr. Barchi said the video showed a "chronic and pervasive pattern of disturbing behavior." I have now reached the conclusion that Coach Rice cannot continue to serve effectively in a position that demands the highest levels of leadership, responsibility and public accountability. He cannot continue to coach at Rutgers University."
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