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Rutgers report calls for school to take more control of athletics

Rutgers University Introduces New Athletic Director Julie Hermann

PISCATAWAY, NJ - MAY 15: Julie Hermann talks to the media after being introduced as Rutgers University athletic director as Rutgers University President Robert L. Barchi listens on May 15, 2013 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Hermann, 49, most recently served as University of Louisville’s senior associate athletic director. She replaces Tim Pernetti who resigned on April 5 in the wake of footage came to light of then-head basketball coach Mike Rice physically and verbally abusing his players during multiple practices. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images)

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It’s a safe bet that Rutgers would like actual athletic competition to begin.

First, the Mike Rice scandal. Then he’s fired. Then his boss, former Athletic Director Tim Pernetti, resigned. The it turns out his replacement, Julie Hermann, allegedly has a history of player abuse stemming from her days as volleyball coach at Tennessee.

After a tumultuous summer, Rutgers released an report Monday calling for the administration to take a more active role in athletics, particularly when it comes to communication between the athletic department and university administrators.

The law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom (what a name) compiled the report.

In terms of communication, the report calls for better clarification of the requirements for reporting issues to the school’s Board of Governors, as well as better risk management.

“It is crucial that the risks and rewards of the athletics program be managed with extraordinary diligence and care,” the firm wrote in the report.

The firm, hired in May, found that Pernetti and others took the matters against Rice serious enough to get an outside law firm involved to investigate him. However, they said Pernetti fell short when it came to punishing Rice.

“We will continue to do everything we can to ensure that every student is treated with dignity and respect and that our Rutgers community remains a model of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” University President Robert Barchi said Monday in an email sent to faculty and staff.

It’s probably smart for the school to implement these suggestions as quickly as they can, being that they enter the B1G beginning in 2014.

Follow David Harten on Twitter at @David_Harten