It’s the Secrecy, Stupid!
Rutgers is, once again, making news; however, this time it is not favorable. The Star-Ledger recently reported that Rutgers head football coach, Greg Schiano, negotiated a number of side deals which would induce him to remain committed to the University. The deals include a new football stadium to be built by Rutgers by next year or the release of Schiano from his contract without penalty should the stadium not be built. He would also receive $250,000 in additional compensation channeled through a vendor so that it would not appear on the University's books. This is besides his $2M annual contract, various bonuses for meeting certain milestones, free land given by the University on which Schiano could build a home, an $800,000 interest free loan for Schiano that is being forgiven at a rate of $100,000 per year for every year he stays at Rutgers, and free unlimited use of a helicopter and a jet. Meanwhile, the Rutgers Board of Governors voted in early July to increase tuition 8.5% next year, raising tuition, room and board to over $21,000 per year for a full-time in-state student.
While the costs to New Jersey taxpayers and Rutgers students for Coach Schiano's deals are high, they are not considered to be unusual when compared to what other successful college football coaches are receiving throughout the nation. Rutgers’ commitment to big-time college football began years ago. The ability to retain Coach Schiano, the recently successful Rutgers football team, and the outstanding recruits during the past few years are the fruits of that commitment. While one may legitimately question the University’s priorities, given massive budget shortfalls and high annual tuition increases, the desire to turn the football program into a marquee one is a goal that is shared by many residents of New Jersey, alums and non-alums alike.
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Michael M. Shapiro, founder of ShapTalk.com, is an attorney who resides in New Providence, New Jersey. He currently serves as the Editor of The Alternative Press Contact Mike at mike@shaptalk.com