Rutgers football program in turmoil
The five players arrested in connection with home invasions and assaults only add to the team's problems.
WHAT IN the world is happening at Rutgers?
Just last week, NJ.com reported the university was investigating head coach Kyle Flood after he allegedly asked a professor to change the grades of an academically-ineligible player.
Then yesterday, five Rutgers players, including three starters, were among 10 people charged in connection with home invasions and assaults, including junior defensive back Nadir Barnwell, the player whose grades Flood allegedly tried to get changed.
Barnwell was arrested along with junior defensive back Ruhann Peele, sophomore fullback Razohnn Gross, junior defensive back Delon Stephenson, and sophomore defensive back Dre Boggs, who played at Coatesville High.
Yesterday, the school issued a statement saying the five have been suspended and will, therefore, not play in tomorrow's season opener against visiting Norfolk State.
The arrested players were charged in incidents that included armed attempts to invade dorm rooms, and stealing money and marijuana from students. There are also charges stemming from an attack that left a 19-year-old student with a broken jaw.
This is all in addition to the five players who last month were suspended for the first half of tomorrow's game for curfew violations, including 20-year-old quarterback Chris Laviano, who allegedly tried to use a fake ID.
Despite the controversies, Flood - entering his fourth season at Rutgers - announced yesterday that he would coach tomorrow.
"I have no reason to believe I won't be coaching," he told reporters.
He also said there is no contingency plan if the school decides to suspend or fire him.
"It's not something we do as a coaching staff. I have a very talented coaching staff, so I have guys that have been head coaches. But again, I will be coaching the game on Saturday," Flood said.