Pernetti: I Only 'Want What's Best for Rutgers'

Addressing a camp of reporters outside of his Oakland home on Friday, ousted Rutgers athletic director Tim Pernetti said he wants only the best for the state university.

“It’s a really sad day for a lot of people, including me and my family,” Pernetti said. “I always have and I always will — no matter what — want what’s best for Rutgers.”

Tim Pernetti resigned as athletic director on Friday.

In a letter to Rutgers University President Robert Barchi, Pernetti blamed the university for overriding his decision to immediately fire Mike Rice.  

The news of Pernetti’s resignation comes just days after video surfaced showing former mens basketball coach Mike Rice aggressively harassing basketball players at the Division I program. 

Pernetti, 42, was born in Teaneck, raised in Wyckoff and currently is an Oakland resident. He is a graduate of Ramapo High School.

More from Patch:

• Media Swarms Oakland Home of Former Rutgers Athletic Director
• University Addresses Pernetti Resignation
• Rutgers Assistant Basketball Coach Resigns
• Rutgers Fires Coach Mike Rice
• Garden State Equality Calls for Rutgers Investigation