Monmouth Legislators Denounce Rutgers Basketball Coach

In statements released today, state legislators representing Monmouth County denounced the tactics Rutgers Basketball Coach Mike Rice, a Little Silver resident, was fired for today.

Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean Jr. stated the following regarding video of Rutgers men’s basketball coach Mike Rice attacking players physically and verbally.

“Everyone in New Jersey is deeply offended by Mike Rice’s inexcusable actions against student athletes who he is highly paid to mold and shape. In addition to being tasked with winning basketball games, Mr. Rice is paid by the public to foster the growth of student athletes and the overall success of New Jersey’s flagship university. If there is no compelling reason why Mr. Rice was allowed to continue coaching young people, then he should be immediately fired.”

Assembly Republican Deputy Conference Leader Mary Pat Angelini (R-11), who was a prime sponsor of New Jersey’s “Anti-Bullying Law” that was signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie just over one year ago, issued the following statement this morning after it was announced that Rutgers University basketball coach Mike Rice had been fired for improper behavior that included both verbal and physical abuse of players:

“It is shocking that someone who is responsible for developing character and integrity believes the goal of winning is the ultimate prize and no price is too great. The abuse and bullying inflicted on the student-athletes at New Jersey’s state university is an embarrassment. Coach Rice should be dismissed from his position and a full investigation into the matter should be conducted to determine if anyone else is accountable for tolerating behavior that is way out of bounds.”