Rutgers coach used gay slurs, threw basketballs at players [Video]
Rutgers basketball coach Mike Rice’s job is in jeopardy after the release of a video that shows the coach using gay slurs, physically pushing and grabbing his players, and throwing balls at his Scarlet Knights team during practices.
In the video obtained by ESPN, Rice can be seen repeatedly belittling and shoving his players. He is also observed targeting a player’s head with a basketball and kicking another.
Rutgers athletic director Tim Pernetti, who according to the Associated Press was first shown the video in late November, originally suspended the coach for three games, required he attend anger management classes and fined Rice $50,000. Now he is considering firing the coach after the widespread release of the recorded abuse.
Former director of Rutgers player development Eric Murdock, who was terminated by Rice and Pernetti in July, told ESPN the coach’s actions resulted in the transfer of at least three players.
Murdock also said he first showed the video, taken at practices between 2010 and 2012, to the athletic director in December.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report
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