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Oliver: Full Explanation from Rutgers Needed on Why Rice Wasn’t Dismissed Sooner

(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D-Essex/Passaic) released the following statement Wednesday on the firing of Rutgers basketball coach Mike Rice:

“Rutgers has done the right thing by firing Mr. Rice, but that still doesn’t resolve questions about how he was allowed to continue overseeing college students after this behavior first came to the attention of Rutgers administration last year.
“I’m puzzled as to how anyone could think Mr. Rice was someone who should be representing our state university on a national level.
“I expect a full and detailed explanation from the Rutgers administration as to why Mr. Rice was not dismissed sooner and how exactly that decision was made. If answers aren’t forthcoming, we are prepared to do what’s needed to get them for the people of New Jersey.”