Report: Eric Murdock sought $950K settlement from Rutgers, FBI on campus
An attorney for Eric Murdock, the former Rutgers director of player development who revealed the video of fired men's basketball coach Mike Rice physically and verbally abusing players, sought $950,000 from the university as settlement for his wrongful termination claims, according to an ESPN report.
According to the report, Barry A. Kozyra, Murdock's attorney, sent a two-page letter, which was obtained by ESPN, to John K. Bennett, who is representing Rutgers, seeking $950,000 last December. The letter was dated two weeks after Rice was suspended three games without pay and fined $50,000 for a violation of athletic department policy on Dec. 13.
According to ESPN:
Among the things the letter states: "While we believe that the recent suspension and fine of Mr. Rice and his enrollment in anger management and future monitoring of his conduct (as we suggested) was a small step in the right direction, it is unfathomable to think that Mr. Rice's employment with the University continues while Mr. Murdock remains unemployed for simply having done the right thing...
"We are willing to give your clients until the close of business on Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, to address final resolution of this matter. Otherwise, we have already prepared a Complaint and will file suit without further notice. To resolve claims for damages inclusive of attorney fees and costs, Mr. Murdock is willing to accept $950,000.00."
Murdock's annual salary at Rutgers was $70,000 prior to the school not renewing his contract after he alerted Rutgers officials with the video.
Rutgers athletic director Tim Pernetti could not be reached for comment and a Rutgers spokesperson declined comment according to ESPN.
FBI special agent James Tareco was on the Rutgers campus Thursday questioning individuals about Murdock, according to ESPN. An FBI spokeswoman, after speaking with a Newark FBI agent Thursday, said she could not comment.
https://twitter.com/McMurphyESPN/status/319919017672470528
