College Football

Rutgers University coach accused of bullying

Mike Rice may be long gone as Rutgers men’s basketball coach, but controversy is rearing its head again at the university. This time, the football program is involved.

Scarlet Knights defensive coordinator Dave Cohen stands accused of verbally assaulting defensive back Jevon Tyree, while also threatening to physically harm him, according to a report on NJ.com.

Tyree’s parents told the website Cohen called him a “p—y” and a “b—-h” and threatened to head-butt him during a spring study hall session.

Tyree said the incident, which occurred in April, took place in front of approximately 10 teammates as well as a tutor.

Tyree’s mother, Clarice, told NJ.com the alleged episode was “outright bullying.” His father, Mark, told the website the behavior “transferred to other coaches.” Tyree said his practice repetitions and playing time declined steeply after the incident, and that he was excluded from team meetings.

Tyree quit the program on Nov. 6, when the coaches used a wide receiver in his stead in the secondary, which had been hit with a spate of injuries.

“I really think disciplinary action should happen, almost to the point where [Cohen] should get fired. I really do,” Mark Tyree told NJ.com. “That’s how bad it is, especially for the damage he’s done to Jevon.”

On Friday night, the school released a statement, that read in part, “The situation between Jevon Tyree and Dave Cohen took place in the spring and was dealt with immediately.”

The statement also read that Cohen apologized the following day and was reprimanded by head coach Kyle Flood, who, according to the statement, also addressed the situation with the entire coaching staff.