Buono Statement on New Rutgers Revelations

Statement

In an effort to set the record straight, Dr. Robert Barchi and Ralph Izzo, chair of the university's board of governors, held a press conference announcing the resignation of Athletic Director Pernetti during which they called the decision to suspend and fine Mike Rice a "failure of process." In Mr. Pernetti's resignation letter, he stated that his "first instincts" were to fire Mr. Rice immediately and the Star-Ledger has reported that an independent report found that Mr. Rice could have been fired for violating his contract.

In light of seemingly contradictory information, Mr. Rice's egregious severance package and the findings of the independent investigator, Democratic gubernatorial candidate and State Senator Barbara Buono (D-Metuchen) released the following statement:

"This was more than a failure of process; it was a failure of leadership -- going all the way up to the Governor's office. While Governor Christie has refused to use his authority to get clear answers, we have had to watch Rutgers University's long, proud history be dragged through the mud with these shocking daily revelations. In the absence of leadership, we have seen everyone pass the buck, leading to the incomprehensible decision to pay Mr. Rice more than $1 million in severance.

"Speaker Oliver and Assembly Majority Leader Greenwald have both cited the need for hearings. I believe we must hold these legislative oversight hearings this week to finally get to the bottom of this situation once and for all in order to determine all individuals accountable and hold them responsible and make sure there are no further disclosures or inconsistencies so we can move past this awful incident with proper corrective action. The students, the parents, the alumni and the public at large deserve no less."

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