This week has been one for the ages for Rutgers and their basketball organization. After ESPN’s “Outside The Lines” aired a video showing coach Mike Rice brutally punching and kicking his players, the skeletons were out of the closet and no longer could athletic director Tim Pernetti cover up what was done in the dark. Now with Rice gone, it seems Rutgers has decided to go down the line of the food chain in doing away with disposable pieces of this awful puzzle.
Today Pernetti has decided to resign from his position. In his letter of resignation Pernetti spoke about the incident and what he wanted to do oppose to what he actually did do.
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.
Pernetti, who was in the fourth year of a five year contract, was set to make a $410,000 annual base salary, up to $50,000 in additional compensation, and a $12,000 annual for free-travel perks for his family, according to USAToday. However its possible he will still be compensated since he had a clause that stated he could not be terminated “for cause for conduct tending to bring shame or disgrace to the university as reasonably determined by the president.”
Although the school has now taken action in firing Rice and resignation of Pernetti , it appears the FBI maybe interested in how this video came to light.
FBI agent James Tareco on Rutgers campus today questioning officials about Eric Murdock, source told @espn
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) April 4, 2013
A FBI agent was seen on campus, interviewing the athletic program personnel about Murdock, who according to ESPN sent letter Rutgers officials demanding a payment of $950,000 or a lawsuit would be filed for wrongful termination.
“While we believe that the recent suspension and fine of Mr. Rice and his enrollment in anger management and future monitoring of his conduct (as we suggested) was a small step in the right direction, it is unfathomable to think that Mr. Rice’s employment with the University continues while Mr. Murdock remains unemployed for simply having done the right thing…
“We are willing to give your clients until the close of business on Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, to address final resolution of this matter. Otherwise, we have already prepared a Complaint and will file suit without further notice. To resolve claims for damages inclusive of attorney fees and costs, Mr. Murdock is willing to accept $950,000.00.”
Murdock’s salary at Rutgers was $70,000 per year prior to the school not renewing his contract, according to ESPN. The FBI agent who was identified as special agent James Tareco did not comment on why she was at the school’s facility.
One can only speculate they see something along the lines of blackmailing or embezzlement. However with the snowball of secrets that are now coming out about Rutgers no one can be sure until an official report is released.
Lesson here: What is done in the dark always comes to light.