Tisk, tisk, tisk

Sometimes, coaches use extreme tactics to encourage their players. Often times, this can lead to bounce-back performances and seasons turning around. Other times, though, it can lead to a job opening.

According to ESPN, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights have fired their head basketball coach Mike Rice. Rice is being fired on accounts of coaching misconduct after a videotaped surfaced of the head coach pushing, shoving and throwing balls at players, while also referring to them using homophobic slurs. The videotape was broadcast on ESPN’s program, “Outside the Lines.” The release of the tape caused public outcry, including that from state legislators of New Jersey, to remove Rice form his coaching duties. 

In 2010 when Rice was hired by the Scarlet Knights, he was considered one of the top coaches available in the market. Before testing the waters for a new team, Rice had led Robert Morris to two consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. During his time as Rutgers' head coach though, Rice had three largely unsuccessful seasons.

One ironic factor of this whole mess is New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s commenting on Rice’s scandal. Though the Governor’s actual words have not surfaced, it is known he wasn't happy with Rice’s actions. What makes this ironic is that Chris Christie is commenting on a coach using derogatory slurs that revolve around homosexuality, yet Christie vetoed New Jersey’s push to allow civil unions.

In the midst of all the drama, Rutgers has yet to pick a new coach.  A nation-wide search will be conducted to find the new coach for the Scarlet Knights. Rice was the fourth Rutgers coach to be relieved of duty due to “off-the-court,” issues. He followed in the footsteps of Gary Waters, Fred Hill and Kevin Bannon. All were let go after highly publicized events, with the most notable being Bannon who forced players to run sprints naked after losing a competition in practice.

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