May 26, 2013 Dear President Barchi and Board of Governors: As Ive detailed in previous letters and the

reinstatement campaign, I was dismayed at the unjust treatment of Timothy Pernetti. I, along with thousands of other alumni, students and supporters, hoped that you would reinstate him as Athletic Director. When that did not happen we were disappointed at both the ongoing injustice and the loss of a valuable member of the Rutgers family. However, while I knew no one could replace Tim Pernetti and bring the healing that his reappointment would have brought, I at least hoped that his successor would be a person of integrity with an impeccable record and impressive experience. Unfortunately, press reports in recent days detailing a discrimination lawsuit and alleged abusive behavior toward student-athletes resulting in the removal of her as a coach demonstrate that the appointment of Julie Hermann was ill-advised and now exacerbates the embarrassing situation Rutgers was already facing. In light of the past accusations and lawsuit against Ms. Hermann it seems inappropriate for her to continue in the position of Athletic Director. Undoubtedly she has her own side to these accusations. However, after the hurt and scandal the Rutgers community has endured over the last month our new Athletic Director should not be someone who needs to start by waging a public relations battle. This is hardly the impeccable record that we had hoped for as a result of the search. Since Mike Rice was terminated because of abusive behavior on the court I assume that Julie Hermanns resignation will be forthcoming since she brings with her the tarnish of similar accusations. The only mistake Tim Pernetti made was to trust the advice of Rutgers counsel and administratorsnever was he accused of mistreating Rutgers student-athletes. As noted above, Tim Pernettis only mistake was looking to counsel and this administration for guidance. While it pains me to see further upheaval at Rutgers, Im even more worried at the prospect of Rutgers being helmed by an administration that has lost the trust of the entire Rutgers community and beyond. Therefore, I implore President Barchi and members of the Board of Governors who pushed for Tim Pernettis resignation and then championed the selection of Julie Hermann to consider if they can effectively serve in their current roles. Two weeks before Ms. Hermann was hired President Barchi stated, I will recruit an AD that shares my vision or I wont hire him. If your vision of an AD was one plagued by scandal and accusations of abuse then its safe to say the Rutgers community does not share your vision. And if Ms. Hermann does not embody the qualities you hoped to find then it represents a shameful lack of investigation and care for our student-athletes and broader community. Its hard to imagine that you and some of our Board members can continue after such a breach of the Rutgers communitys trust, not to mention the media fallout from a second major misstep, the first being Tim Pernettis departure. As unfortunate as these accusations against Julie Hermann are, they provide you with the unique opportunity of a second chance to reinstate Tim Pernetti. Clearly Ms. Hermann has her own defense to make as these allegations surface again, but Rutgers need not, and should not, retread this familiar path. Make your legacy a positive one and let Tim Pernetti return to his rightful job and help usher in an era of athletic success underpinned by integrity and goodwill. Sincerely, Andy Sisti RC 76