Rutgers University has launched an investigation on former athletic director Pat Hobbs for a possible ‘inappropriate, consensual relationship,’ according to a report from NJ Advance Media.
Hobbs resigned on August 16, citing health concerns, after holding the position for nine years.
NJ Advance reported that the ‘investigation is believed to have spurred his abrupt resignation.’ The school has yet to address the allegation.
Earlier this week, NJ Advance Media also reported the Rutgers’ gymnastics program was in disarray before Hobbs’ departure, with head coach Umme Salim-Beasley at the center of complaints from the athletes.
Several gymnasts alleged that Salim-Beasley fostered a ‘toxic’ environment, among many complaints. When they went to Hobbs for help, they were reportedly ignored by the AD.
Rutgers is investigating former athletic director Pat Hobbs after his abrupt resignation
Hobbs is allegedly in a ‘inappropriate, consensual’ relationship, according to reports
The outlet reported that New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy spoke publicly about the ‘internal investigation’ on Friday.
‘I know there is an investigation underway, so I don’t want to preempt that,’ Murphy said. ‘I have no insights into that. But that was really ugly and very disturbing. I’ve reached out to Rutgers at the highest levels.
‘I know they have an internal investigation going, but that was a pretty disgusting set of facts in the paper. We shall see.’
The University sang its praise for Hobbs after stepping down from the position.
‘I want to thank Pat for his remarkable nine-year tenure at Rutgers, during which we have seen our men’s and women’s teams become leaders and successfully compete in the Big Ten, both on and off the field,’ school president Jonathan Holloway said in an email to university leaders.
Hobbs was credited for ‘enhancing the student-athlete experience’ and emphasizing ‘elevated communication, improved resource allocation, and enriched customer service,’ during his tenure.
According to his contract, Hobbs was on deck to make at least $635,000 in base salary this school year with his pay adjusted to the median of other Big Ten athletics directors.
His biggest move in charge of the Scarlet Knights was bringing Greg Schiano back as the football coach in 2019.
After Hobbs’ abrupt departure, Ryan Pisarri has stepped in for him on an interim basis. According to the Rutgers Athletics website, Pisarri was the Deputy Athletic Director for Competitive Excellence and Chief of Staff and is in his 14th year with the program.
Hobbs is married and shares three children with his wife Patrice. He served as the dean at Seaton Hall from 1999 to 2015 before moving to Rutgers.
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