Rutgers Basketball Coach Mike Rice Comes Under Fire For Practices
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Mitchell Layton/Getty Images(NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J.) — In video obtained by ESPN’s Outside the Lines, Rutgers head men’s basketball coach Mike Rice is shown throwing basketballs at his players, shoving them and using abusive language during practices that took place from 2010-12.
Rutgers athletic director Tim Pernetti viewed about 30 minutes of the video in December after it was given to him by former director of player development Eric Murdock, according to ESPN. Pernetti suspended Rice for three games and fined him $50,000, citing “inappropriate behavior and language”.
Murdock left Rutgers last summer after his contract wasn’t renewed, according to the university. His attorney, Raj Gadhok, claims Murdock was let go for reporting Rice’s behavior and adds his client intend to sue for wrongful termination.
Pernetti hired Rice, who was head coach of Robert Morris, in March 2010. In three seasons as head coach of the Scarlet Knights, Rice is 44-51, including 16-38 in the Big East.
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