Today, ESPN's Brett McMurphy reported that Rutgers Athletic Director Tim Pernetti, who both hired coach Mike Rice and initially chose to retain him after video surfaced of the coach abusing his players, has been dismissed by the school. UPDATE: Pernetti appears to have sent a resignation letter, for what it's worth.
Tim Pernetti out as Rutgers athletic director, source told @ESPN
Tim Pernetti out as Rutgers athletic director, source told @ESPN-- Brett McMurphy
The move came in the wake of tremendous media and internal pressure for Pernetti, who had been athletic director since 2009, to be dismissed; over 50 faculty members signed a letter to university president Robert Barchi insisting that he lose his job. But not all of the Rutgers' community has insisted that Pernetti go: prominent members of the athletic family, including paralyzed former football player Eric LeGrand, NFL running back Ray Rice, and former NFL lineman Shaun O'Hara, called for Pernetti retain his job.
Heading up to RU in support of Tim Pernetti to talk to some media. #KeepTimPernetti the things this man has done for me is indescribable
Heading up to RU in support of Tim Pernetti to talk to some media. #KeepTimPernetti the things this man has done for me is indescribable-- Eric LeGrand
Big 10 doesn't happen without Mr. Pernetti He has done a GREAT job for RU, our future is bright with him leading us. #greatman
Big 10 doesn't happen without Mr. Pernetti He has done a GREAT job for RU, our future is bright with him leading us. #greatman-- Ray Rice
Attention fellow #RU FBall players. Show your support for Pernetti. @RayRice27 @Brian40Leonard @Mo_12_Sanu @JZutt7176 @McCourtyTwins
Attention fellow #RU FBall players. Show your support for Pernetti. @RayRice27 @Brian40Leonard @Mo_12_Sanu @JZutt7176 @McCourtyTwins-- Shaun O'Hara
Pernetti is the third official to leave Rutgers; Rice and assistant coach Jimmy Martelli, who can also be seen in the video verbally and physically abusing players, were both fired. Pernetti helped set Rutgers up to join the Big Ten during his tenure, which will be a financial boon for the school. Previously, this had been thought to possibly be enough of an achievement to help him save his job.
One thing working in AD Tim Pernetti's favor from multiple sources is he helped get Rutgers into Big Ten. We'll see if that's enough.
One thing working in AD Tim Pernetti's favor from multiple sources is he helped get Rutgers into Big Ten. We'll see if that's enough.-- Andy Katz