Rutgers coach Eddie Jordan never graduated from Rutgers, contrary to school's claim
Rutgers men's basketball coach Eddie Jordan reportedly never actually graduated from Rutgers (Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Rutgers hired coach Eddie Jordan to replace Mike Rice, after ESPN aired a video of the temperamental coach throwing basketballs at players and swearing at them. Rutgers brought in Jordan hoping that he would bring an end to the scrutiny and represent Rutgers well.
Jordan's bio on Rutgers' website calls him a 1977 grad who earned a degree in health and physical education. However, Deadspin has reported that Jordan's transcript, obtained from the University, gives no indication that Jordan ever finished his degree.
Furthermore, a call to the registrar's office made the situation quite clear. From Deadspin:
"He did not receive a degree from us," an official there [said].
At the presser following his hire, Jordan thanked the Rutgers community for their patience as he worked out contract negotiations. He cited due diligence as playing a role in the length of time it took for him to be hired. From Deadspin:
"I want to thank [Rutgers president Robert] Barchi for his belief and trust in me. I'd like to thank our Board of Governors and our Board of Trustees who understood the meaning of due diligence. People have taken some criticism on the length of time, but the due diligence was very important in their minds and in their actions to get this thing right. And I'm glad that they chose me."