Report: Rutgers investigating coach Kyle Flood for rules violation
Rutgers University is investigating head coach Kyle Flood for allegedly contacting with a faculty member regarding the status of one of his players, reports Keith Sargeant of NJ Advance Media.
Flood allegedly sent an email from a personal account to a faculty member regarding the academic status of junior cornerback Nadir Barnwell, whose grades may deem him academically ineligible for the upcoming season.
Flood could face suspension or dismissal depending on the reported investigation's findings.
Barnwell redirected reporters' questions about his status to Flood earlier this month. If eligible, Barnwell could a starter in Rutgers' defensive backfield after playing in 22 games, including 10 starts, in his first two seasons with the Scarlet Knights.
Flood could face punishment for failing to promote an atmosphere of compliance in an attempt to provide an impermissible benefit one of his student-athletes, according to NJ Advance Media.
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Flood is entering his fourth season with Rutgers after an 8-5 season and Quick Lane Bowl victory in 2014. He addressed the NJ Advance media report on Tuesday afternoon.
“Any correspondence that I had with a professor in regards to a student athlete would really be of this nature,” he said. “One, to be in support of whatever decision that faculty member made. And two, to inquire as to whether or not there would be an opportunity to earn a better grade. This practice is not unusual at Rutgers. Many students all over campus receiver what are called ‘t grades’ -- doing work outside of when the class ends that semester to earn a better grade.”
The Scarlet Knights are set to begin their season on Sept. 5 against Norfolk State. The team will be without quarterback Chris Laviano and wide receiver Leonte Carroo for first half of the opener after a curfew violation, according to ESPN's Joe Schad.
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