University Addresses Pernetti Termination

Rutgers Athletic Director Tim Pernetti said he wanted to fire Coach Tim Rice, but was overruled by Rutgers University.

Rutgers released a letter of resignation today from Pernetti to University President Robert L. Barchi in which he said that he'd seen video of Rice verbally and physically abusing players, brought his findings to Barachi, and recommended that he be let go. 

"As you know, my first instincts when I saw the videotape of Coach Rice's behavior was to fire him immediately. However, Rutgers decided to follow a process involving university lawyers, human resources professionals, and outside counsel.

"Following review of the independent investigative report, the consensus was that university policy would not justify dismissal. I have admitted my role in, and regret for, that decision, and wish that I had the opportunity to go back and override it for the sake of everyone involved," said Pernetti in his letter. 

To read the whole letter, click HERE.

During a press conference today, Barchi said he learned about the video — a three-year compilation of practices that showed Rice using abusive language and homophobic language and making physical contact with players — in November, but didn't watch it until Tuesday, April 2.

"Let me begin by saying that this was a failure of process. I regret that I did not ask to see the video when Tim first told me of its existence, because I am certain this situation would have had a different outcome had I done so," said Barchi.

"I personally apologize to the entire Rutgers community—our faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni and the many others who support the great work of this university—for the negative impact that this situation has had on Rutgers."

Rice was fired on Wednesday following the public release of the video. The video rocketed to national attention, drawing condemnation from Gov. Christie, a number of politicians, and Garden State Equality, who said it showed a larger problem of bullying in sports culture.

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.

During his tenure, Pernetti will be remembered forging a deal to get Rutgers into the Big 10.

"I trust that my tenure at Rutgers will not be judged by this one incident. I am proud of my efforts to lead Rutgers into the Big Ten, and of all of the accomplishments of our student-athletes in the classroom and on the field of play," Pernetti said in his letter.

During the press conerence, Barachi said he serves at the discretion of the Board of Governors and does not have a contract with any term.

Garden State Equality, who spoke out against the video on Wednesday, released a statement on Friday supporting Pernetti's removal, but claimed a bigger problem remains.

"Whenever a terrible situation like this one occurs, the end-goal must not be a single firing or even multiple firings," Executive Director Troy Stevenson said. "It has to be about changing the climate and culture of the university: eliminating homophobia, misogyny, and hate speech from campus locker rooms and making sure that no student is ever subjected to harassment, intimidation, or bullying on campus.

Stevenson repeated the organization's call for an investigation into university administration to find out who knew about Rice's controversial coaching and why it was not stopped sooner. He also called for Barchi to resign if the situation was not adequately addressed.

"If the facts determine that President Robert Barchi knew of abuse and did not adequately respond, we hope he will do the right thing and step aside so that Rutgers can being the process of healing and changing the culture and climate with new leadership in place," Stevenson said.