Rutgers Coach Kyle Flood gets suspension, $50,000 fine

Rutgers University Head Football Coach has been suspended for three games and a fine of $50,000 has been imposed following an investigation into allegations that he violated university policy by contacting a faculty member about the academic status of a player, University President Robert Barchi said in a letter Wednesday.

"Based on what we know now, it is clear to me that Coach Flood had inappropriate communications with the faculty member in violation of an established policy. The policy is well-known among staff in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Coach Flood is specifically tasked with knowing both NCAA and our institutional policies regarding these issues," Barchi said. "Simply, Coach Flood has no excuse for not knowing the rule and following it."

Barchi said the university began reviewing the allegations when they were first reported on Aug. 12 that Flood "circumvented established policies and procedures in contacting a faculty member to discuss the academic standing of a student-athlete." According to Barchi, an outside investigator took over the probe within 24 hours of the accusations.

According to Barchi, a report of the findings following the investigation showed that a member of the athletics academic advising staff said she reminded Flood, "after he sent the initial email but before he had the in-person meeting with the faculty member, that he is not to have contact with any faculty member regarding a student’s academic standing." Despite the warning, Flood met with the faculty member to discuss the student's grades.

After meeting with Flood and imposing the suspension, Barchi said he believes the punishment was justified.

"I believe that the discipline is severe and justified for his failure to follow policy," the university president said in his statement. "I met with Coach Flood this afternoon and informed him of the suspension and the fine and he has accepted responsibility for his actions and my discipline.  As a member of the faculty and as a former Provost myself, I know that Coach Flood’s actions in communicating with the faculty member crossed a line that all faculty hold dear."

Toniann Antonelli is the digital managing editor at NJ 101.5. Reach her at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.