Rutgers Fires Mike Rice

Mar 12, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Mike Rice reacts on the sidelines against the DePaul Blue Demons during the second half at the Big East tournament at Madison Square Garden. Rutgers won 76-57. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports /

It took long enough, but the Rutgers Scarlet Knights have reportedly fired head basketball coach Mike Rice after feeling the public pressure resulting from a troubling video of Rice abusing players during practice sessions. If you haven’t watched the video, you can do so here.

Rice physically and verbally abused his players as he kicked them, threw balls at their heads and showered them with homophobic slurs. Rutgers was aware of the video footage but previously thought it would be enough punishment to slap him with a fine and suspend him for three games in December. Thankfully, Rice is about to meet the fate he deserves.

Per Rutgers professor and sports columnist Tara Sullivan of The Record:

Axe about to fall. Source confirms Rutgers players told in early morning hours that Mike Rice will be fired.
— tara sullivan (@Globe_Tara) April 3, 2013

Rice was called in for a meeting with the university’s athletic director today. An official announcement on his firing should be coming in the next few hours. The writing is already on the wall and it is a decision that needs to be made.

The real trouble for Rutgers will be how they handle the fact that they let this behavior go on without any punishment.

If the university has any sort of pride, they should be getting rid of the entire coaching staff that allowed to happen and especially get rid of the athletic director that didn’t view this as a reason to fire his coach.

It is never okay for a human being to treat another human this way, especially when you are supposed to be an authority figure and take advantage and bully young kids that can’t do anything to defend themselves. Let’s hope Rutgers cleans house.