Rutgers has fired embattled athletic director Tim Pernetti (left), who staunchly defended men’s basketball coach Mike Rice after the coach was accused of assaulting his players. Rice was terminated as head coach of the Rutgers men’s basketball team earlier this week, after ESPN’s “Outside The Lines” aired a video showing him brutally punching and kicking his players.
The video footage was brought to the attention of university officials by former Rutgers director of player development Eric Murdock (right). Murdock’s contract was not renewed shortly after he came forward with the controversial video.
Now Murdock himself is under investigation — by the FBI.
ESPN reports that a female FBI agent was seen on the Rutgers campus this week. The FBI agent reportedly interviewed athletic program personnel about Murdock.
NY Post sources allege that Murdock said he would release the video to the media if Rutgers did not “compensate” him in the amount of $950,000.
ESPN reports that Murdock’s lawyer sent Rutgers officials a letter demanding a payment of $950,000 — or a lawsuit would be filed for wrongful termination.
According to ESPN, the letter from Murdock’s lawyer stated:
“While we believe that the recent suspension and fine of Mr. Rice and his enrollment in anger management and future monitoring of his conduct (as we suggested) was a small step in the right direction, it is unfathomable to think that Mr. Rice’s employment with the University continues while Mr. Murdock remains unemployed for simply having done the right thing…
“We are willing to give your clients until the close of business on Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, to address final resolution of this matter. Otherwise, we have already prepared a Complaint and will file suit without further notice. To resolve claims for damages inclusive of attorney fees and costs, Mr. Murdock is willing to accept $950,000.00.”
According to ESPN, Murdock’s salary at Rutgers was $70,000 per year prior to the school not renewing his contract.
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