Tim Pernetti resigned as Athletic Director of Rutgers University on Friday, saying that he realizes his decisions for disciplinary action toward men’s basketball Coach Mike Rice, rather than firing him, “were out of keeping with Rutgers community’s values.” Pernetti, who graduated from Rutgers in 1993, apologized in a resignation letter, noting that stepping down from his position was in the best interests of Rutgers.
Rutgers President Dr. Robert Barchi officially announced Pernetti’s resignation—and apologized for the scandal on behalf of himself and Rutgers leadership—today at a press conference, when he called the incidents that led to Rice’s suspension a “failure of process.” Barchi noted that assistant basketball Coach Jimmy Martelli also resigned, and that Interim General Counsel John Wolf resigned his position.
Barchi reaffirmed that he had not seen the video until this week, and that Rice’s actions were more “abusive and pervasive” than he had understood them to be. The Board of Governors says it supports him; however, many are calling for Barchi to also step down.
