Learning at Rutgers University isn’t limited to the classroom. There are lessons to be learned even on the university’s basketball court. That’s where players suffered verbal and physical assaults by then head coach Mike Rice Jr. beginning in 2010.
Rice’s coaching style included cursing at players, shoving them, and throwing basketballs at their heads. When Rutgers initially dealt with this abusive behavior last December, Rice was:
However, Rice was able to return to his position for the following season. That is, until ESPN aired a compilation videos in April of Rice’s abusive behavior during practice sessions. Upon seeing the video compilation, the university president fired Rice and did not renew the contract of his assistant coach Eric Murdock (who had first reported the abuse).
Rutgers hired an independent legal firm to investigate the incident and its aftermath, and provide recommendations to the University. In a 38-page recently released report, recommendations were made that can be applied to almost any organization or business. Of particular interest are the following points:
If your workplace permits hostility and intimidation to flourish, let our attorneys help you put a stop to it.