Christie: Rutgers AD resignation 'necessary'
TRENTON, N.J. - Gov. Chris Christie says Friday's resignation of Rutgers Athletic Director Tim Pernetti was "appropriate and necessary."
In an apparent vote of confidence in Rutgers' president, Christie says Robert Barchi (BAR'-chee) showed "decisive leadership" in getting the AD to step down in the scandal involving the former basketball coach.
Christie also Friday thanked Pernetti for helping get Rutgers into the Big 10 conference.
Coach Mike Rice was fired this week after a video was made public of him kicking and shoving players during practice and using gay slurs.
The decisionmarked a reversal of an administration decision last December to fine and suspend him rather than let him go.
Christie says the whole episode has damaged Rutgers reputation but it's time to move forward.
