Robert Morris: Rice allegations unfounded
A ROBERT MORRIS internal investigation into former basketball coach Mike Rice found no evidence of the "coaches against player" brawls alleged by an ex-Rutgers employee, though one former Colonial contacted by the school claims Rice used anti-gay slurs on several occasions and engaged in a shoving match with a player during halftime of a game.
A ROBERT MORRIS internal investigation into former basketball coach Mike Rice found no evidence of the "coaches against player" brawls alleged by an ex-Rutgers employee, though one former Colonial contacted by the school claims Rice used anti-gay slurs on several occasions and engaged in a shoving match with a player during halftime of a game.
Rice coached at the suburban Pittsburgh school from 2007-10 before taking the job at Rutgers, who fired Rice last week after video of the coach physically and emotionally abusing players became public. Former Rutgers employee Eric Murdock said Rice told him players and coaches at Robert Morris fought several times during practices, prompting athletic director Craig Coleman to look into the matter.
The school interviewed 17 people - five current Robert Morris players, seven former players, three members of the coaching staff and two athletic trainers - either in person or on the phone and Coleman is satisfied Murdock's statements are unfounded.
"I think it is unanimous that the Murdock allegations did not occur," Coleman said Tuesday.
Rice went 73-31 in three seasons at Robert Morris.
Noteworthy *
Former La Salle player and assistant coach Joe Mihalich will be announced as the new coach at Hofstra on Wednesday, SI.com reported, citing a source. Mihalich has been the coach at Niagara the last 15 seasons, compiling a 265-203 record and leading the Purple Eagles to two NCAA Tournaments.
* La Salle's men's basketball team finished 24th in the final USA Today/Coaches Poll. The Explorers finished 24-10 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tourament.
* The father of Russ Smith said the Louisville junior guard will leave school to enter the NBA draft. Also announcing they will be entering were Indiana junior Victor Oladipo, Kansas freshman Ben McLemore and Providence freshman Ricky Lebo.