Search Site
Menu
21 Main St, Ste 352 | Hackensack, New Jersey 07601
Call For Consultation 551-245-8894

Does Rutgers Have the Right not to Renew Someone’s Employment Contract?

The question about contract renewal is yet to be settled when that person is the former assistant coach of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights basketball team, Eric Murdock.

The scandal involving head coach Mike Rice Jr., fired for harassment and intimidation of players, began when Murdock requested copies of practice videos. These videos showed Rice cursing at players, shoving them, and throwing basketballs at their heads. Murdock made his request in a formal manner, under the Open Public Records Act. Tim Pernetti, the former athletics director who later resigned due to the scandal, asked Rice if there was any reason to be concerned about the release of the videos. Upon being told by Rice not to be concerned, the videos were released to Murdock without anyone at Rutgers viewing them before release.

Eventually the videos were broadcast by ESPN, which must have surely been an embarrassment to the Rutgers University leadership. Murdock’s employment contract was not renewed.

As is often the case when a whistleblower draws public attention to wrongs in the workplace, the whistleblower suffers retaliation by management, such as demotion or termination. But retaliation is illegal.

In a letter to the president of Rutgers University dated July 11, 2012, Murdock’s attorney put Rutgers on notice that he intended to pursue legal action against Rutgers for wrongful termination of Murdock pursuant to:

  • The Conscientious Employee Protection Act
  • The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights
  • Federal and New Jersey wage and hour laws and regulations

The above three laws serve as effective tools to protect employees who are being retaliated against for reporting workplace harassment or intimidation. If your employer is retaliating against you, learn your rights by speaking with an experienced employment retaliation attorney.

Neil  H.  Deutsch Attorney Photo
Neil H. Deutsch
Retired

Neil H. Deutsch has been practicing law for over 35 years and is known as a skilled negotiator in employment and discrimination law. He believes in a bottom-line approach of risk analysis and cost effectiveness for his clients. "Case evaluation is something we take seriously," says Mr. Deutsch who seeks top net dollar for his…

Bruce  L.  Atkins Attorney Photo
Bruce L. Atkins
Senior Partner

Bruce L. Atkins is regarded as one of New Jersey’s premier practitioners of employment and civil litigation. He has been selected to the New Jersey Super Lawyers prestigious list every year since 2005.  This honor, bestowed upon a recipient by the votes of his peers, is a powerful nod to the skill Mr. Atkins brings…

Adam  J.  Kleinfeldt Attorney Photo
Adam J. Kleinfeldt
Partner

Adam J. Kleinfeldt joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in March of 2015.  He primarily represents individuals in employment litigations such as discrimination, retaliation, and whistle blowing matters.  He has extensive experience in all phases of the litigation process. Adam has obtained significant results for some of his clients, including a $525,000 jury verdict in…

Diane  Englander  Peyser Attorney Photo
Diane Englander Peyser
Attorney

Diane Englander Peyser joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in September 2018 where she represents employees in wrongful termination, retaliation, harassment, and discrimination matters. Prior to joining Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C., Diane represented clients in all aspects of employment law on behalf of employees involving unemployment appeals, claims of sexual harassment, LGBT discrimination, disability…

Debra M. McGarvey Attorney Photo
Debra M. McGarvey
Attorney

Debra M. McGarvey joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in December 2019. She has extensive experience defending employees and employers in state and federal court in employment litigation matters. She has represented clients on various issues arising out of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), the…

AWARDS & AFFILIATIONS
Reviews and Ratings
  • google
    5.0/5.0

    I don’t usually write many reviews, but in early 2021 I was asked if I wanted to write an update to my initial review talking about my experience as a client, so I said “yeah I want to talk, but for just a minute.” After a long and voluminous l...

    Read more

    Ben R

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Diane Englander Peyser and Bruce Atkins provided extensive subject matter knowledge and guided us through very complicated legal system; resulting in positive outcome that we could not have achieved on our own. Great office atmosphere with friendly a...

    Read more

    Psiumis J

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    I am extremely satisfied with my experience with Duetsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt law firm. Diane Peyser was always attentive with any questions or concerns I had during my case. I always felt like I was her number one priority when I needed her during t...

    Read more

    megan verrico

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    I am grateful to Bruce and his firm for his professionalism and guidance. His experience and calm demeanor really helped me through a tough case. He settled it very quickly which allowed me to put it behind me and move on. I highly recommend Bruce.

    Read more

    T Cates

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Having been a litigation attorney myself, I've seen it all from the "inside". I know that far too many lawyers care only about profit and have very little interest in the actual law or their clients. So I was very careful in selecting an attorney t...

    Read more

    D A

See all reviews
Contact us

Quick Contact Form