Rutgers University fired their Men's College Basketball Coach — Mike Rice after ESPN broadcasts a video of him shoving players, hurling balls and cursing inexplicably at his players during many practices.
The video went viral and caused an outrage amongst players, fans, officials and the sports world — including Lebron James:
If my son played for Rutgers or a coach like that he would have some real explaining to do and I'm still gone whoop on him afterwards! C'mon
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 2, 2013
In the epicenter of the turmoil surrounding Rutgers’ basketball program is former NBA-player and now, whistle-blower — Eric Murdock was the responsible for the release of video showing Mike Rice berating his players. Murdock; now 44, was a New Jersey high school star, a standout in the Big East, and a first-round NBA draft pick who played in the league for nine years.
Mike Rice's resume includes being the head coach for Robert Morris University, his average salary was $650,000/year and education from Fordham University in 1991.
Basketball coach Mike Rice told WABC "there's no excuse" for his actions which surfaced on video
MIKE RICE FIRING TIMELINE:
• May 6, 2010: Mike Rice named men’s basketball coach at Rutgers after compiling a 73-31 record as coach at Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania. He signs a five-year contract that guarantees him $650,000 per year.
• Fall 2012: Rutgers hires an independent investigator to look into allegations Rice was verbally and physically abusive of players at practices. Athletic Director Tim Pernetti reviews video excerpts of Rice hurling insults and balls at players and meets with new Rutgers President Robert Barchi.
• Dec. 13, 2012: Barchi and Pernetti suspend Rice without pay for three games and fine him $50,000 for inappropriate behavior and language, though university officials are vague about the details. Rice agrees to attend anger management classes.
• Dec. 29, 2012: Rice returns to Rutgers basketball practice and publicly thanks Pernetti "For giving me a second chance. For believing that I could change. I think that’s rare in life."
• March 11, 2013: Pernetti rebuffs rumors Rice will be fired after another disappointing season for the Scarlet Knights. "Of course he’s coming back," Pernetti said.
• April 2, 2013: News that ESPN plans to air a leaked video of Rice abusing players at practice prompts Rutgers to invite reporters to Piscataway to view the footage. Barchi views the video for the first time before the meeting. ESPN later airs it nationally as Gov. Chris Christie and others publicly wonder why Rice still has a job.
• April 3, 2013: Rutgers fires Rice. Barchi said his personal review of the video led him to reverse his earlier decision and terminate Rice’s contract. "He cannot continue to coach at Rutgers University," Barchi said.
