Here's what happened:
Rutgers fired head men's basketball coach, Tim Rice, after ESPN got hold of a video--which then went viral--of Coach Rice engaged in conduct unbecoming of a coach, and that was according to New Jersey governor Chris Christie. In addition to physical abuse, Rice dished out a heavy dose of emotional abuse in the form of homonegative and misogynistic slurs. The Outside the Lines story can be found here.
Glad this made news but a few ahem moments that were the topic of discussion in boot camp this morning in between pop squats, long-strider jumping jacks and rainbow deadlifts.
First, Rutgers knew about this behavior last fall when they fined and gave Rice a three-game suspension. The power of a viral video...We tell young people--especially intercollegiate athletes to be careful about social media; maybe college athletics administrators should take their own advice.
Oh my, I just learned that Rutgers AD is now out too! Have to admit, ESPN does a good job covering men's college basketball. Despite acting contrite and saying he made a mistake in not firing Rice last fall, Tim Pernetti is out of a job.
Anyway, second...this is not anomalous coaching behavior. Remember this? The University of Hawaii coach used the word faggot in a press conference! Multiple times.
And this guy. Knight has said he will not comment on the situation at Rutgers. His employer, ESPN, isn't making him either even though he's a college basketball commentator!
Rice and Knight; Juxtaposition of two AP photos |
But that doesn't mean bad behavior is isolated. It's just not all caught on video tape and sent to ESPN.
In American football news, Brendon Ayanbadejo has said one of the reasons he was released from the Baltimore Ravens, in addition to his age, is his outspoken-ness on issues of LGBT equality. Ayanbadejo has been vocal in his support of gay marriage, other advocates, and any potential gay NFL players. The Ravens deny this.
And across the pond, fans of the second-tier football (aka as soccer) team in Brighton, England keep asking for help in dealing with homonegative taunts and gestures they are subject to based on the fact that Brighton has a visible gay population. Club officials refer to it as "banter" from opposing teams' players and fans while Brighton fans call it abuse.
Wait, where are all the gay women?
Well, the women's final four commences this weekend in New Orleans. Maybe everyone is packing.
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