YOUR VOICE A SURVEY OF COACH AND ATHLETIC DIRECTOR READERS
A Survey On The Rutgers Basketball Video & Mike Rice
In April, Rutgers University men’s basketball coach Mike Rice was fired after a video released to the public revealed
abusive behavior and language used during his practices. Rice was suspended and fined in late 2012 for his actions, but public outrage led to his ouster. Athletic Director Tim Pernetti and one of Rice’s assistants resigned shortly after. The situation divided those who believe Rice didn’t deserve to be fired and those who contend the university didn’t
go far enough. Coach And Athletic Director conducted a survey of more than 1,900 readers about the Rutgers dilemma. Here are the results along with some responses. Log on to
coachad.com/RutgersSurvey to read additional comments.
1
Do you feel that the $50,000 fine and three-game suspension was an
appropriate punishment for Rice’s abu- sive actions as witnessed by Pernetti?
4.6% INDIFFERENT
19.7% YES
and fine was a fitting punishment.”
“Rutgers made a poor decision to try and rehabilitate a coach instead of making sure the student-athletes of the basketball team were participating in a wholesome environment, absent of physical and emotional abuse.”
75.7% NO
“If Pernetti saw that video when the inci- dent first happened, he should have met with the university president and Board of Trustees and decided Rice’s fate at that time. If they enforced a suspension and fine after watching the same video, then they all should be fired.”
2
Since Rice served his punishment and attempted rehabilitation to
control his behavior, was it fair and just to move forward with his termination?
5.8% INDIFFERENT
34.4% NO
59.9% YES
Do you feel that Pernetti should be terminated for not firing Rice earlier or for other reasons?
4 9.9% INDIFFERENT
“He served the punishment the school deemed appropriate, so he shouldn’t be punished again. It’s just a shame that the university saw a suspension
22 May/June 2013
36.4% NO
53.7% YES
“Unfortunately, it does. Since we are in the public eye, our actions are evi- dent to all. Accountability is a nec- essary evil if you want to live in the public arena. It’s too bad that many do not see the value of mentorship and accountability on personal and professional level.”
“I am constantly aware our reputation is held in the community. As a college athletics program, our players and I need to remain a positive role model for community members.”
coachad.com
weren’t for the public viewing of the video that displayed his conduct?
3
I DON’T KNOW 7.0% YES
8.0%
Do you feel that Rice would have been terminated if it
“I’m not sure termination is appro- priate. What is the university policy Pernetti must adhere to? Is this a case where Pernetti followed proto- col to a failed policy? Regardless, there is a moral obligation required at all levels.”
ence the decisions you make regarding your school or athletic programs?
5 5.2% UNSURE
MOST LIKELY, BUT I DON’T WANT TO ADMIT IT
24.4%
42.1% YES
85.0% NO
28.2% NO
“The administration did not fire him and did not plan on firing him. The only thing that got him fired is the pub- lic outcry on social media.”
“Your decision-making must include sound ethical and moral judgment, with the well being of the children in mind. The eyes of the crowd merely remind us to do the right thing.”
As a coach or athletic adminis- trator, does the public eye influ-
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