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AthleteAlly.org issues statement supporting Rutgers’ decision to fire Mike Rice

mike-rice

Following the firing of Rutgers men’s basketball coach Mike Rice, AthleteAlly.org issued a statement supporting the school’s decision:

In a video shown Tuesday on ESPN, Rutgers men’s basketball coach Mike Rice, is seen yelling homophobic slurs at his players, kicking them, grabbing them, shoving them and throwing basketballs at them. Moments ago, the university fired Coach Rice and in doing so stood by the Athlete Ally Pledge, which the university’s Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Tim Pernetti, signed. The pledge states:

“I pledge to lead my athletic community to respect and welcome all persons, regardless of their perceived or actual sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Beginning right now, I will do my part to promote the best of athletics by making all players feel respected on and off the field.”

Athlete Ally Ambassador and former Rutgers student Nick Angelides comments: “I met with Rutgers Athletics Director Tim Pernetti, and he signed the Athlete Ally Pledge, but his failure to take action against Mike Rice is embarrassing, alienating, and entirely unjustifiable.”

Athlete Ally Founder and Executive Director, Hudson Taylor, also commented on Rice’s behavior: “Mike Rice puts homophobia in context, showing us what is at stake and how homophobic slurs and other forms of prejudice can manifest in real time. His behavior is a powerful and unfortunate reminder of what abuse and disrespect in sports can look like. His comments were homophobic, sexist and cruel. And, he used them often in moments of violence, showing just how abusive and dangerous that kind of language can be. We commend Rutgers for taking swift action and look forward to continuing to work with them to support allyship on campus.”

Raphielle also writes for the NBE Basketball Report and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.