Abuse allegations spark investigation into Rutgers gymnastics

PISCATAWAY, N.Y. — Rutgers has hired a law firm to investigate allegations of bullying, favoritism and revenge against athletes by the gymnastics program’s coach.

President Jonathan Holloway announced earlier this week that the university has hired Lowenstein Sandler partner Matthew Boxer to lead the investigation into allegations against coach Umme Salim-Beasley.

The allegations coincided with the surprise retirement of Scarlet Knights athletic director Pat Hobbs on Aug. 16. He cited health concerns as the reason for his resignation.

A former New Jersey state comptroller and federal prosecutor, Boxer investigated the Rutgers softball program in 2020 after team members said coaches subjected athletes to emotional abuse and abusive conditioning.

NJ Advance Media was first to report the gymnastics allegations, speaking with seven former gymnasts and one team member who described a “toxic” climate in the program while detailing their experiences with Salim-Beasley.

“This effort will ensure that all concerns raised about the program have been thoroughly investigated, determine whether appropriate follow-up actions have been taken, identify reasons for any potentially inadequate response, and recommend areas where additional action may be needed,” Holloway said in a statement. “The review will also identify and address any concerns raised about the team’s culture.”

Holloway said the report’s recommendations will be made public. He said the firm will receive a $50,000 retainer and a fee of $225,000 for the first month, rising to $195,000 for the second month. The fee will be reassessed if additional time is needed to complete the review.

Holloway informed the university’s board of trustees on Aug. 31 of the decision to open an external investigation. At the time, he wrote that he was confident the university had appropriately implemented its policies regarding the gymnastics program.

“Our learning environment depends on the safety, health and mental well-being of all our students, and the university strives in every aspect of its operations to foster an environment in which our students can thrive,” Holloway wrote. “Rutgers Athletics shares this commitment. Whenever concerns or allegations arise regarding our support of students, the university investigates those concerns in accordance with our policies, the law and, in the case of athletics, our NCAA standards.”