PISCATAWAY, NY — Rutgers University has hired a law firm to investigate allegations from athletes of bullying, favoritism and revenge by the coach of the gymnastics program.
President Jonathan Holloway announced earlier this week that the university has appointed Lowenstein Sandler’s partner Matthew Boxer to lead the investigation into allegations against coach Umme Salim-Beasley.
The allegations coincided with the surprise retirement of Scarlet Knights athletic director Pat Hobbs on Aug. 16. He cited health issues as the reason for his resignation.
Boxer, a former New Jersey state regulator and federal prosecutor, investigated the Rutgers softball program in 2020 after team members said coaches emotionally abused athletes and forced them to undergo conditioning.
Former Rutgers gymnasts describe ‘toxic’ climate under coach Umme Salim-Beasley
NJ Advance Media first reported the allegations in the gymnastics world, speaking to seven former gymnasts and one still on the team, who described a “toxic” climate in the program and shared their experiences with Salim-Beasley.
“This effort will ensure that all concerns raised about the program have been thoroughly reviewed, that appropriate next steps have been taken, that reasons are identified for any inadequate responses, and that areas are recommended where additional steps may be needed,” Holloway said in a statement. “The review will further identify and address any concerns about the team’s culture that have been uncovered.”
Holloway said the report’s recommendations will be made public. He said the company will receive a $50,000 retainer and a $225,000 fee for the first month, dropping to $195,000 for the second month. The fees will be reviewed if more time is needed to complete the review.
Holloway told university officials on Aug. 31 about ordering the external investigation, writing that he was confident the university had applied its policies appropriately with respect to the gymnastics program.
“Our learning environment depends on the safety, health and mental well-being of all of our students, and the University strives in every aspect of our operations to create an environment in which our students can thrive,” Holloway wrote. “Rutgers Athletics shares this commitment. When concerns or allegations arise about our support of students, the University investigates those concerns in accordance with our policies, the law and, in the case of Athletics, our NCAA standards.”
