Tim Pernetti Claims He Wanted To Fire Mike Rice Back In November, But Rutgers Wouldn't Allow It

Here's former Rutgers athletic director Tim Pernetti's resignation letter, addressed to university president Robert Barchi. There's one section in particular we want to highlight:

As you know, my first instincts when I saw the videotape of Coach Rice's behavior was to fire him immediately. However, Rutgers decided to follow a process involving university lawyers, human resources professionals, and outside counsel. Following review of the independent investigative report, the consensus was that university policy would not justify dismissal. I have admitted my role in, and regret for, that decision, and wish that I had the opportunity to go back and override it for the sake of everyone involved.

It should be noted that this contradicts what Pernetti told Outside The Lines (that firing Rice last year was not an option), and very nearly contradicts itself. I would have fired him if not for the "process," but I could have overridden the process anyway.

Still, this is a shot across Barchi's bow. As we referred to earlier, Pernetti seemed to indicate on Tuesday that the school president had seen the video months ago. Barchi quickly denied that. As more and more Rutgers faculty members call for Barchi's own resignation, they find an unlikely ally in Pernetti, who seems determined to pass the buck upwards—or drag the president down with him.

Meanwhile on campus, an ESPN videographer was hit with a water balloon and the crew called "vultures." This one's just getting fun.