Dwight Floyd's Special Commentary: FAMU Got It Right When Rutgers Didn’t

"The Editor"
DWIGHT FLOYD
 

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  In one case a player complained of sexual harassment and abuse. In another case there is a videotape that clearly shows physical and emotional abuse—that’s what they call it in law enforcement. Some may argue with the findings, so remember that I am only discussing the action that was taken based on a sustained charge.

When Florida A&M University sustained charges of abuse through an investigation conducted by the university police department, its administration did not hesitate to fire the head coach. Most of the information that led to the sustained charge was based on witness statements, some confirming and others denying that anything negative happened.

In the Rutgers case it is not a matter of determining the facts because it is right there on videotape for everyone to see. Yet, Rutgers head basketball coach Mike Rice retained his job long after the allegations were brought to the school’s attention and later confirmed through an investigation by the athletic department.

See ESPN.com to review videotape & Interview.

On videotape coach Rice is seen tossing balls at players’ heads and feet. According to ESPN he called them “fagots” and “fairies”, obviously intending to demean them. He grabbed them like a bully and pushed them around. He kicked them like a raging spoiled brat, or worse. The videotape shows that he did it on numerous occasions with obvious intent.

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