Rutgers AD Tim Pernetti first saw video of former coach Mike Rice abusing players in November. Rice was suspended for three games and fined $50,000, but it wasn’t until today, after national media attention, that the abusive coach was sacked by Rutgers.
Here’s what Pernetti said about the failure to remove Rice until today.
Rutgers AD Tim Pernetti: “I am responsible for the decision to attempt a rehabilitation of Coach Rice." …
— Keith Sargeant (@KSargeantNJ) April 3, 2013
Pernetti: "Dismissal and corrective action were debated in Dec. and I thought it was in the best interest of everyone to rehabilitate ..
— Keith Sargeant (@KSargeantNJ) April 3, 2013
" but I was wrong. Moving forward, I will work to regain the trust of the Rutgers community.” – Pernetti
— Keith Sargeant (@KSargeantNJ) April 3, 2013
Sound like a guy who deserved to be named a finalist for AD of the Year? Many Twitter users think not and are calling for Pernetti to be the next one to go.
Were I the direct superior of Rutgers AD Tim Pernetti, I would suggest he polish up his resume, and get some help cleaning out his office.
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) April 2, 2013
Rutgers made the right choice to fire Rice. The next firing that takes place needs to be Pernetti.
— Justin (JB) Roe (@JustinBRoe) April 3, 2013
Pernetti from Rutgers should resign or get fired.
— Edwin Prieto (@EPrieto007) April 3, 2013
At this point I’ more amazed that Tim Pernetti is still in his job as Rutgers AD. Rutgers administration needs to fire that clown ASAP.
— jason yeh (@jasonoliver) April 3, 2013
Recommended
Right move to fire Rice. Tim Pernetti should be relieved of his duties as well for letting those incidents continue to happen.
— Zacary J. Tardiff (@ZacaryJT) April 3, 2013
Glad Rutgers fired Mike Rice. Now the AD should be next.
— Tanner (@proudpapa1215) April 3, 2013
Mike Rice had to be fired. You can't shove/hit/kick players. You can't verbally abuse them like that either. AD needs to be canned too.
— Cliff Saunders (@radioguycliff) April 3, 2013
https://twitter.com/jongSMASH/status/319465256143437824
Rutgers University president Robert L. Barchi knew the video of Rice abusing players existed and reportedly backed the decision to try to “rehabilitate” him. Some Twitter users are calling for Barchi to be disciplined or fired as well.
He saw video too so yes rt “@Matt_Fortuna: If Rutgers AD Tim Pernetti were to go… by same logic, doesn't president Robert Barchi go, too?”
— Angelo Di Carlo (@angdicarlo) April 3, 2013
And severe action should be taken against Rutgers pres. Robert Barchi for signing off on not firing Mike Rice last fall when he saw the tape
— Josh Friedman (@FriedoJosh) April 3, 2013
#Rutgers AD Tim Pernetti and president Robert Barchi should also lose their jobs do not dismissing Mike Rice last fall when made aware.
— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) April 3, 2013
Rutgers AD Pernetti and Uni Pres. Barchi need to put in their resignations or the Board needs to publicly fire the both of them.
— Bobby Patterson (@its_just_bobby) April 3, 2013
@Ballislife #Rutgers' Barchi and Penretti should go bye-bye. But they won't, unless the Regents step in. Because the #B1G is coming.
— Ñasteeduñx (Hash Your Wañds!) (@Nasteedunx) April 3, 2013
So Mike Rice is finally gone and now should be followed by Rutgers athletic director Tim Pernetti and school president Robert Barchi.
— Jim Bessman (@JimBessman) April 3, 2013
Update, 4/5/2013:
Pernetti has been fired.
Rutgers AD Tim Pernetti fired.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 5, 2013
Editor’s note: New reports indicate that Rutgers University president Robert Barchi did not view the video, but knew it existed. This post has been updated to reflect that information.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member