Rutgers to Bring in Independent Review of Basketball Program

In the wake of the firing of coach Mike Rice, Rutgers University has announced that an independent adviser will be brought in to conduct a review of the men's basketball program.

“We believe it is in the interest of the entire Rutgers University community to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the inappropriate behavior in the men’s basketball program and how they were addressed, and to make recommendations on how we can improve," read a joint statement issued Monday by university president Robert L. Barchi and Rutgers Board of Governors chairman Ralph Izzo.

"We believe that such a review will benefit from the involvement of an independent adviser, and it is our intention to move quickly with this review.”

Rutgers athletics is reeling after the firing of Rice and the resignation of athletic director Tim Pernetti and assistant basketball coach Jimmy Martelli, following the public release of a video that contained footage of Rice kicking and shoving players and using abusive language, including gay slurs, during practices.

The video was brought to Pernetti's attention this past fall by Eric Murdock, former director of player development for the basketball team.

Murdock has filed a lawsuit against the university claiming wrongful termination, and reportedly offered to settle the status of his employment for $950,000 before releasing the video to ESPN. The FBI is investigating possible extortion in Murdock's offer.

Barchi is also facing calls for his resignation.

Barchi and Izzo will meet on April 11 to discuss the hiring process for the adviser, according to a press release from Rutgers.