Schools

Pernetti is Out at Rutgers

The Athletic Director has lost his job in the wake of the Mike Rice scandal, reports say.

Rutgers University Athletic Director Tim Pernetti is reportedly out of a job this morning.

According to a report on NJ.com, anonymous sources have told reporters that Pernetti is out of a job in the wake of a scandal involving head basketball coach Mike Rice, but it is unclear as to whether he resigned or was fired.

Rutgers has not yet made an official statement on Pernetti, but a press conference has been scheduled by the university for 1 p.m, according to the report. 

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Rice was fired on Wednesday following the public release of a video showing him shoving and kicking players and using abusive and obscene language during basketball practices, including gay slurs.

The video rocketed to national attention, drawing condemnation from Gov. Chris Christie, a number of politicians, and Garden State Equality, who said it showed a larger problem of bullying in sports culture.

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Pernetti came under fire for his handling of the video, which was delivered to him by a former employee in fall 2012.

In December, Pernetti suspended Rice for three games and fined him $50,000. Rice was ordered to anger management counseling and was monitored at practices upon his return from the suspension.

Assistant basketball coach Jimmy Martelli, who can also be seen on the video, resigned on Wednesday, apologizing for taking part in the controversial coaching tactics.

Rutgers president Robert L. Barchi couldn't escape the fallout of the scandal either, as a group of faculty members called for his resignation.

Barchi said in a statement released Wednesday that Rice's behavior was brought to his attention by Pernetti in the fall, but he did not view the video until this week.

Pernetti was hied by Rutgers in 2009 on a five-year contract. He became a beloved Rutgers figure among fans and alumni while leading the athletics department through such initiatives as the renovation of the High Point Solution Stadium and Rutgers' acceptance into the Big Ten.


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