Long-serving Rutgers athletic director under investigation for alleged ‘inappropriate relationship’ – after resigning due to ‘health concerns’
Rutgers University has launched an investigation into former athletic director Pat Hobbs over a possible “inappropriate, consensual relationship,” according to a report by NJ Advance Media.
Hobbs resigned on August 16 due to health problems after serving in the position for nine years.
According to NJ Advance, “the investigation is believed to have led to his sudden dismissal.” The school has not yet responded to the allegation.
Earlier this week, NJ Advance Media also reported that Rutgers’ gymnastics program was in disarray prior to Hobbs’ departure, with head coach Umme Salim-Beasley at the center of complaints from athletes.
Several gymnasts alleged that Salim-Beasley created a “toxic” environment, among many complaints. When they went to Hobbs for help, they were reportedly ignored by the AD.
Rutgers investigates former athletic director Pat Hobbs after his sudden resignation
Hobbs is reportedly in an ‘inappropriate, consensual’ relationship
According to the news agency, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy spoke openly about the “internal investigation” on Friday.
“I know there’s an investigation going on, so I don’t want to prejudge that,” Murphy said. “I don’t have any insight 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 on, but that was a pretty disgusting set of facts in the paper. We’ll see.”
The university praised Hobbs after he stepped down from his position.
“I want to thank Pat for his remarkable nine-year tenure at Rutgers. During that time, we have watched our men’s and women’s teams become leaders and achieve success in the Big Ten, both on and off the court,” school President Jonathan Holloway said in an email to the university’s board of trustees.
Hobbs was praised for “enhancing the student-athlete experience” and emphasizing “improved communication, improved resource allocation and enhanced customer service” during his tenure.
Under his contract, Hobbs is set to earn a minimum base salary of $635,000 this school year, with his salary adjusted to the median for other Big Ten athletic directors.
His biggest change as manager of the Scarlet Knights was bringing back Greg Schiano as football coach in 2019.
Following Hobbs’ sudden departure, Ryan Pisarri has stepped in as his interim replacement. According to the Rutgers Athletics website, Pisarri was Deputy Athletic Director for Competitive Excellence and Chief of Staff and is in his 14th year with the program.
Hobbs is married and has three children with his wife, Patrice. He served as dean of Seaton Hall from 1999 to 2015 before moving to Rutgers.