The drama never ends at Rutgers. For once, at least, it has nothing to do with the controversy-filled men’s basketball program.
Rutgers announced the suspension yesterday of men’s lacrosse coach Brian Brecht for alleged verbal abuse, upon completion of an investigation.
Brecht’s suspension comes on the heels of the firing of former coach Mike Rice after video was released showing verbal and physical abuse. Athletic director Tim Pernetti, assistant coach Jimmy Martelli and University lead counsel John Wolf all resigned as part of the fallout.
Brecht, a Long Island product in his second year after a successful stint at Siena, will continue to be paid, the school announced, as university police further investigate. No details of the allegations were released.
Rutgers has been reviewing videos of practices in all sports since Rice was fired April 3 after a video was made public that showed him kicking players, throwing balls at them and yelling gay slurs.
“While I cannot comment on an ongoing investigation, let me reiterate that there is no place at Rutgers for words or actions that are inconsistent with the values of the university,” Rutgers President Robert Barchi said in a statement. “Our student athletes, as all members of the Rutgers community, should know that our university is committed to promoting an atmosphere of respect and dignity.
“As I stressed earlier, we will be looking closely at all intercollegiate athletics at Rutgers going forward. If we find problems, we will address them.”
The Rutgers lacrosse team has struggled on the field, with a 2-11 record and 0-5 mark in the Big East.