Oops! Rutgers’ Eddie Jordan did not receive degree from university
New Rutgers basketball Coach Eddie Jordan was brought in to lead the university out of the embarrassment of the Mike Rice scandal, but controversy continues after the school’s athletic department’s website inaccurately declared Jordan had earned a degree from the institution.
It turns out, Jordan, who accrued 103 credit hours from 1973 to 1985, did not receive a degree in health and physical education in 1977 as it had been claimed, according to the Associated Press.
The university’s athletic communications office released a statement Friday, confirming the oversight, which was first reported by Deadspin.
“While Rutgers was in error when it reported that Eddie Jordan had earned a degree from Rutgers University, neither Rutgers nor the NCAA requires a head coach to hold a baccalaureate degree,” wrote the school of Jordan, with whom they agreed to a five-year contract with $6.25-million in guaranteed money.
Jordan replaces Rice, who was fired after a video was made public which showed the basketball coach shoving and kicking his players while screaming obscenities and using anti-gay slurs.
Rutgers Athletic Director Tim Pernetti also resigned in the wake of the scandal.
Of Jordan, the university said: “His athletic skills and leadership and his professional accomplishments have been a source of pride for Rutgers for more than three decades. We are excited to have him as our men’s basketball coach, and we look forward to many winning seasons.”
While at Rutgers from 1973 to 1977, Jordan set the school’s all-time record for assists (585) and steals (220) before he was drafted in the second round by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1978.
Jordan served most recently as an assistant coach for the Lakers, but also has been the head coach for the Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers.
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