ESPN Plans To Air Tape That Led To Mike Rice Suspension

NJ.com

http://www.nj.com/rutgersbasketball/index.ssf/2013/04/espn_rutgers_mike_rice_tape.html

The controversial practice tape that resulted in a three-game suspension and $50,000 fine for Rutgers men’s basketball coach Mike Rice in December is about to put Rice and his program back in the spotlight again. The Star-Ledger has learned that ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” program will air the tape Tuesday afternoon.

Four individuals with direct knowledge of the tape and its exact contents — profane and abusive language, including a gay slur, and throwing basketballs at players’ heads — confirmed the network’s plans to broadcast it this weekend, in between the Final Four and the NCAA’s national championship game. The individuals requested anonymity because they do not speak for the network.

Two individuals confirmed that “Outside the Lines” program has reached out to current and former players in regard to its story.

When reached, an ESPN spokesman confirmed the network was working on a Mike Rice story that would be broadcast Tuesday afternoon on “Outside the Lines.” (Earlier versions of this story incorrectly indicated ESPN could not be reached for comment.)

Athletic director Tim Pernetti and Rice were not available for comment.

Rice was suspended for three games without pay and fined $50,000 in December for what Rutgers termed “a violation of athletic department policy” which was termed by Pernetti at the time of Rice’s suspension as a “pattern” of behavior. The reason for suspension also included use of “inappropriate behavior and language.” All of it stemmed from a videotaped practice during Rice’s first season at Rutgers, which The Star-Ledger reported in December included Rice throwing basketballs at players’ heads.

The taped material was brought to the attention of Rutgers and now ESPN by former Scarlet Knights director of player development, Eric Murdock — according to one of the individuals.