New Rutgers coach never graduated
Rutgers is facing more controversy with its men's basketball coach. This time, it's new hire Eddie Jordan.
The university acknowledged Friday that Jordan doesn't have a degree from Rutgers, as it previously stated in the new coach's biography.
Jordan, who played at Rutgers in the 1970s, was named to replace ousted coach Mike Rice last month after videotape evidence revealed Rice verbally and physically abused players. The position does not require a diploma, but most college coaches usually have at least a bachelor's degree.
"Rutgers sought Eddie for the head coach position as a target-of-opportunity hire based on his remarkable public career," Rutgers said in a statement. "Eddie Jordan was inducted into the Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 2004 and he has been a part of the Rutgers family since before 1977."
According to ESPN.com, Rutgers did not say whether Jordan was less than forthcoming about his education history or whether the school failed to do a background check on his credentials. Deadspin.com initially reported the degree discrepancy.
Jordan contended that it's all a mixup. He said he completed the degree requirements in 1985 after his NBA playing career was over but later found that he wasn't officially registered for classes.
"I went back to Rutgers in 1984-85 as a voluntary assistant to complete my studies," Jordan told ESPN.com. "I didn't walk. I didn't get a diploma because I wasn't registered right. That's it. I was 28 and didn't take care of my business. It was never an issue."
