Rutgers Coach Mike Rice Apologizes For Abusing Players
Rutgers basketball coach Mike Rice apologized during a news conference on April 3 for shoving players, throwing basketballs at them and yelling homophobic slurs. Do you think he’s only apologizing because he was fired from his position?
Newly fired Rutgers University basketball coach Mike Rice, 44, claims he’s sorry for abusing Rutgers basketball players. The disgraced coach gave a press conference on April 3, in front of his New Jersey home. He appeared emotional as he spoke about the video of him abusing his players.
Rutgers Basketball Coach Mike Rice Apologizes For Abusing Players
The newly fired Rutgers coach said: “As I stated three months ago, after I watched the video, how … how deeply regrettable those actions … also stated how I was going to work on changing. I think I’ve accomplished a lot of that. I can’t say anything right now except I’m sorry and there will never be a time where I’ll use any of that as an excuse.”
He went on to say: “I’ve let so many people down, my players, my administration, Rutgers University, the fans. My family who is sitting in their house, just huddled around because of the fact that their father is … was an embarrassment to them. And it’s troubling but I will at some time … maybe I’ll try to explain it. But right, now there’s no explanation for what’s on those films, because there’s no excuse for it. I was wrong. And I want to tell everyone whose believed in me that I am deeply sorry for the pain and the hardship that I’ve caused. Thank you very much.”
Mike Rice later released a statement, saying, “I am deeply sorry for my inexcusable actions and language. I’ve let down so many people: our players and their parents, and the Rutgers community and fans, and my own family. I clearly did not treat these outstanding young men, with whom I have worked for so long and known so well, with the respect they deserve.”
Mike’s Abuse Caught On Tape
We told you that the video aired on ESPN on April 2. The footage is reportedly from November and the school’s athletic director suspended Mike at the time from three games. Mike was also reportedly fined $50,000 and ordered to attend anger management classes.
Watch: Mike Rice Basketball Coach Fired By Rutgers
— Chloe Melas
More Celebrity Sports News:
- Kevin Ware’s Injury: Celebs & Athletes Tweet Reactions
- Kevin Ware Has Surgery To Repair Badly Broken Leg
- Kevin Ware May Lose Scholarship After Horrific Leg Injury