Controversy has once again found into its way into Rutgers campus. After the video of Mike Rice, bullying and insulting players, became viral resulting in the resignation of basketball coach himself, his assistant and the athletic director, one more of the school's coaching staff is now facing similar allegations.
Dave Cohen, Scarlet Knights defensive coordinator has been accused of verbally assaulting and threatening to physically harm Jevon Tyree, a former defensive back on the football program. Tyree quit the program on Nov.6 amid allegations of discrimination by coach.
According to Tyree's parents, Cohen called him a "p-y" and a "b--h" and threatened to head butt him during a spring study hall session. Tyree said that the incident in April occurred amidst approximately 10 teammates as well as a tutor, NYPost reports.
Tyree's mother, Clarice, described the incident as 'outright bullying.' His father, Mark, said that his practice repetitions and playing time reduced drastically since the incident and was also barred from team meetings.
"I really think disciplinary action should happen, almost to the point where [Cohen] should get fired. I really do," Mark said. "That's how bad it is, especially for the damage he's done to Jevon."
"This was an isolated incident. At no time was there any threat of physical violence. Cohen apologized the following day for his participation in the escalation of banter, which resulted in the use of inappropriate language," a Rutgers University spokesperson said, CBS local reports. "The situation between Jevon Tyree and Dave Cohen took place in the spring and was dealt with immediately."
When asked about the reason for aggressive behaviour displayed by several coaches, students responded by saying:
"I would think it's maybe common to motivate them, maybe," one student said.
"You have to be a coach that can fire up your teammates and your players and stuff. These guys are almost grown men, so you have to be able to live with what people say," another student said.
