Sports

Former Rutgers Basketball Player Files Suit Against Mike Rice, University

Derrick Randall claims he was targeted for abuse by the former coach, a Little Silver resident, and that the university allowed it to continue.

A former Rutgers University basketball player has filed a lawsuit against the University in relation to the bullying scandal involving former head coach Mike Rice that ultimately led him to transfer, nj.com reports.

Derrick Randall, a product of South Kent, Connecticut, named Rice, Rutgers University President Robert Barchi, former Athletic Director Tim Pernetti, a former assistant coach, the former chairman of the board of governors committee on intercollegiate athletics and CFO Janine Purcaro in the lawsuit filed in federal court on Friday, according to the report.

In the suit, Randall accuses Rice of assault and battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress, according to the report.

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Randall claims he was heinously and continuously targeted for abuse due in part to a learning disability and preferred accommodations that came along with it, according to the report. Randall claims the other defendants in the suit were aware of the abuse and allowed it to continue.

Randall eventually transferred to the University of Pittsburgh, where he has played in nine games this season, according to espn.com.

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Earlier this year, Rice was the focus of a player abuse scandal after a video surfaced showing Rice yelling offensive language and shoving and kicking players during basketball practice. He was fired. Pernetti resigned soon after.


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