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Rutgers Athletic Director Tim Pernetti Resigns

by: iradioal - Philadelphia, PA
started: 04/05/13 5:14 pm | updated: 04/05/13 5:14 pm

Rutgers Athletic Director Tim Pernetti has resigned today. Pernetti has come under fire for his handling of Men's Basketball Head Coach Mike Rice and Rice's behavior toward the team. Video surfaced this week showing Rice shoving and kicking players, throwing basketballs at them, and yelling homophobic slurs. Initially, last fall, Rice was suspended 3 games, fined $50,000, and ordered to take anger management. When the video became public, sharp national sentiment was that Rutgers administration did not do enough to punish Rice for his actions. Rutgers President Robert Barchi approved the initial punishment, but did not see the video until this week. There has been some support for keeping Pernetti. A few thousand people have joined a Facebook paying calling to keep the AD.

Pernetti, 42, is a New Jersey native and a Rutgers graduate who played tight end for the Scarlet Knights from 1989-93.

Rutgers posted Pernettiâ€™s resignation letter on their official website. The text is as follows:

Dear Dr. Barchi:

I write in confirmation of our conversation earlier today during which we agreed that it was in the best interests of Rutgers University that I step down from my position as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. I do so reluctantly because I always have and always will love Rutgers. I want to thank the people who have supported me throughout my years as a student-athlete and Athletic Director and help them understand my reasoning in this situation.

My continued tenure as Athletic Director is no longer sustainable for the University which I attended and where a piece of me will always remain. In connection with the incidents involving former basketball Coach Mike Rice, as was the case with all other matters which I handled on behalf of the University, I always tried my best to do what is right. I have spent a great deal of time reflecting on the events which led to today. As you know, my first instincts when I saw the videotape of Coach Riceâ€™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.

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. I want to thank our great fans, the hardest working staff in collegiate athletics, and every one of our fine student-athletes. It has been my great pleasure to serve my alma mater.

Â Sincerely,
Â Tim Pernetti
Class of 1993

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