Rutgers scales back expansion

NEW BRUNSWICK - The Rutgers University Board of Governors has voted to continue with a slightly scaled-back expansion of the Scarlet Knights' football stadium.

The vote yesterday came two days after athletic director Bob Mulcahy was fired. Mulcahy was seen as the architect of a major sports program at Rutgers, but came under fire for his department's business practices.

The board agreed to move ahead with the expansion, but will keep the project at the original $102 million budget. Rutgers hoped to kick in just $72 million, but after private fund-raising efforts fell flat, it will be responsible for the full price tag.

As a result, some elements will be cut, including new locker rooms.

The expansion is scheduled to be completed in time for the Scarlet Knights' 2009 season.