Comments on: Should Rutgers President and Athletic Director Resign After Coach Rice Scandal?

By: Luke Visconti

Luke Visconti — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:01:33 +0000

And I hope you’re having a nice day, too.

I’d appreciate it if you took the time to read the articles—and my quotes in them—and my responses to reader comments before you tee off on me.

We were not notified of Rice’s behavior issues prior to the December meeting of the Athletic Committee. At that meeting we were given a description of behavior that did not rise to the level of firing Rice. We were not told of any video evidence. You’re absolutely wrong about legal risks—you cannot avoid fault by joining in collusion to avoid discovery of information. When information is excluded or obfuscated, then the board needs to hold the administration accountable. I have already asked for an accounting of why we were not given the entire story and have offered advice to get past this situation: In my opinion, the President needed to own the situation, express deep remorse, offer a heartfelt apology and announce steps to rebuild trust. I have not received a single response or other message from the President and have received only a couple of emails from the Secretary of the university. I learned about Friday’s press conference independently.

I view this obfuscation and complete lack of communication from the President to be as serious as it gets. I’m viewing my personal responsibility to include running harshly critical articles about my own university, where I am on two boards and am a Distinguished Alumnus. I have not resigned from the board only because I plan on holding the administration fully accountable. In my opinion, that accountability does not stop at the Athletic Director, it rests with the President himself. Luke Visconti, CEO, DiversityInc

By: K. Collins

K. Collins — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:53:08 +0000

This is an utterly embarassing situation that disgraces an otherwise fine University. I agree that whomever knew about this behavior and acted (or failed to act)to disregard it or hide it should be fired. And I must say, I have real questions about the Board’s role in this. I read Luke’s articles week after week, in which he skewers business leaders over ethical issues that surface in their organizations, often blaming them for not having perfect knowledge and demanding their heads. Clearly from this article, he and his fellow Board members were aware of behavior and performance issues prior to this dismissal, and according to his quote, he simply accepted a generic explanation that all is okay. Given Luke’s self-annointment as the standard bearer for all things diversity, why did he apparently not ask more questions (or deal with what he knew)about this earlier and assist the University in resolving it. I too serve on organization boards and fully understand the potential legal risks and exposures of such service. It is very tempting in the face of adversity to limit what you know in order to avoid personal exposure. Given the rash of recent simiar disasters at Arkansas and Penn State, why did Luke and the Board not take this more seriously earlier. Rather than position this article in the context of “what everyone else is saying about this” I would like to hear more about what Luke Visconti knew and has to say about it.

By: LROB

LROB — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 06:07:05 +0000

They all should be terminted. This is Penn State all over again. School trying to keep something horrible hush hush while these administrators still earn a check!

By: C.I

C.I — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 21:37:55 +0000

Why are we still asking these question? I am a former college employee and am aware of how much Athletic Directors salaries cost Universities and Colleges. They also bring in a lot of money into Universities so much is overlooked; so they don’t care. Athletes are expendable, another group will be coming next year!

I actually emailed the A.D.(knowing I wouldn’t be contacted back) and asked how could he do this? The well-being of the athletes in his care should not be overlooked. Have we not forgotten Penn State and Coach Paterno and Coach Paterno. Obviously NOT!

By: Jonscott Williams

Jonscott Williams — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 21:05:23 +0000

“Should Rutgers President and Athletic Director Resign After Coach Rice Scandal?”

If this incident causes them to believe that they have irrevocably besmirched themselves and the university, they should resign.

If this incident is indicative of their respective judgement, they should be fired.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:02:36 +0000

They all should be fired – I am a graduate – am I am embarrassed over this action. Besides the fact my tax money is paying for these idiots.

By: Blake

Blake — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:12:49 +0000

The actions of Mike Rice [he doesn't deserve the respect of being called Coach] was deploreable.

Having played colleged basketball, I understand intensity, but this was abuse and bigotry. It simply has not place in sports. Since Rutger’s AD and President apparently did not care enough about the welfare of its student – athlete’s, I feel they should resign. While the young men under their charge might be physically imposing, they are still kids and should have been protected.