Pernetti Receives Show of Support from Oakland

More than 100 youth softball players and their parents came out to show support for Oakland resident and former Rutgers Athletic Director, Tim Pernetti.

“Today’s games feel like opening day again but today is really Tim Pernetti day in Oakland,” said recreation softball commissioner Dan Logatto.

Pernetti resigned from his post as athletic director at Rutgers following the release of a video of Men’s Basketball Coach Mike Rice mentally and physically abusing players surfaced. Some people felt that Pernetti didn’t do enough when he found out about Rice’s actions while many others firmly believe that he did all he could and that his hands were tied.

“Us in town, we know him well. We know his integrity as a person and we love our own. He got a really bad deal and when something like that happens to one of our own we want to be supportive,” said Logatto.

Pernetti hasn’t spoken about the situation to anyone other than friends and family . Although he didn’t want to discuss the Rutgers situation he did state that he will be looking for new opportunities and thanked everyone who showed up to support him on Saturday.

“This town is a great place to live,” said Pernetti. “I knew we had a great group of people here but I’ve realized it even more over the past few weeks. The support out there has been really overwhelming. I love the kids in this town and I have my own kids in this town. I got involved with recreation sports a couple of years ago and I’m glad I did.”

As an alumnus of Rutgers University, his sudden departure from his position with the university must have come with shock and disappointment. 

"I don't know what is next. I'm just trying to catch my breath right now," said Pernetti. "Beyond that, I haven't given it a whole lot of thought. I will soon. It's a difficult situation but I feel good. Being around good people and receiving a show of support like this really warms my heart."