Rutgers athletic director Pat Hobbs abruptly resigns

[TheKnightclub]

Virtue signaling is noble and all, but public positions at public universities interest the public. If his private life was of no consequence, it wouldn't be discussed. However in this case, it may have been. His contract was worded in a way where it is. His exit could affect some of the programs many of us follow.

It's not a conspiracy theory to question things when they appear out of the ordinary. Press releases and media aren't always factual. People quoting them as gospel must live in a different universe than the one where these things are frequently used to control narratives. Skepticism is warranted.

With that said, if all the smoke is nothing but rumors and he truly did step down for ONLY health related concerns, it's pretty terrible to kick a guy while down for entertainment. Even with no rumors, the way it was handled would raise suspicion and a similar conversation would go on.

 

[rutgersal]

wouldn’t

I mean seriously, the more stuff that happens that seems to indicate the reddit stuff has not and will likely not be substantiated raises more questions in the minds of some posters.

@PSAL_Hoops --you are a great fan and a poster, but methinks you are giving @rutgersal 's theory way too much credence. al's a good guy and an enthusiastic fan, and he gets points for creativity, but IMO, too many people are reaching for something that is likely not there. At this point, Pat is no longer the AD. His private life is (and always was) private. I wish Pat well, and a life of happiness in his retirement. He did a great job here. As far as Schiano answering questions- you missed the part where he said his job is to get his team ready for the football season, not to clutch pearls or wring his hands over why his boss left and how is ex boss is doing. He is laser focused on getting the team ready for the season, which is TOTALLY in character for Greg. Just my opinion.

You want to believe that nothing else is there, but the circumstances of his departure are odd because its so abrupt. And the news was released on Friday.

Under normal circumstances you would at least deserve a cake and recognition at a football game, given his tenure. But these are not normal circumstances.

Furthermore, he and his wife took the next plane to Ireland. So he wouldn’t have to answer questions.

 

[ru66]

Stop the madness. Give it a rest . Why all the speculation and bs theories. If there is anything it will come out .One way or another some posting stuff look real silly, or worse.

 

[CERU00]

Tangential question. Is it true Pikiells buyout, with Hobbs departure, is now reduced by 50%?

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Apparently his heart was well enough to fly 7 hours across the Atlantic to vacation in Ireland

View embedded media

You want to believe that nothing else is there, but the circumstances of his departure are odd because its so abrupt. And the news was released on Friday.

Under normal circumstances you would at least deserve a cake and recognition at a football game, given his tenure. But these are not normal circumstances.

Furthermore, he and his wife took the next plane to Ireland. So he wouldn’t have to answer questions.

Yes - I agree - it’s the Friday announcement, sweeping the departure under the rug without proper honor to Hobb’s successful tenure, Schiano “forgetting to thank Hobbs” and instead thanking Holloway and the Board in presser (pre-announcement), and then lastly - the way Schiano approached the post announcement scrimmage presser re Hobbs. KS is right that Schiano would put the focus on prep for Howard. It’s not that part that’s strange. To me, what was more odd from Schiano is the way he completely skirted around the “health issues” in his opener - all he said was “wish him the best with his health and his family”. No - “prayers going out to Hobbs in dealing with some medical issues leading him to step down” or “I’m sure this was a difficult decision for Hobbs - I know he loves Rutgers”. Think of how he addressed Watson. This was completely different with carefully chosen wording - terse to get it over with ASAP.

 

[JayDogSmooth]

A very happy Monday to all as Team Smooth checks in from the Sunshine State

I’m excited for the future, near & far, of Rutgers athletics.

Pat did a great job here and left us in a solid place with a job that’s desirable.

Onward and upward - let’s get the best AD we can and keep ascending to the upper echelon of college athletics!

 

[Plum Street]

As @Knight Shift's post indicates, the state simply doesn't allow that.

Yes it does. I know two teachers that do it

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

A very happy Monday to all as Team Smooth checks in from the Sunshine State

I’m excited for the future, near & far, of Rutgers athletics.

Pat did a great job here and left us in a solid place with a job that’s desirable.

Onward and upward - let’s get the best AD we can and keep ascending to the upper echelon of college athletics!

I agree. I could care less about what went down - for me it won’t change the fact that Hobbs did a great job as AD during his tenure.

My concern is that we have an opportunity to do great things this year in football and basketball and I hate the idea of any potential distractions down the road. This feels like a loose end - time bomb of sorts where at some point the SL will release an article with more information about the departure. I really hate to be negative on this and hope very much to be wrong. Damn Politi already published an article foreshadowing more to come. It may not even be something that bad and I could see it being framed in a way that’s distracting and reputationally damaging to our program in an untimely way, because that’s just how the Star Ledger tends to roll - anything for clicks. Sigh

 

[mikemarc1]

Yes - I agree - it’s the Friday announcement, sweeping the departure under the rug without proper honor to Hobb’s successful tenure, Schiano “forgetting to thank Hobbs” and instead thanking Holloway and the Board in presser (pre-announcement), and then lastly - the way Schiano approached the post announcement scrimmage presser re Hobbs. KS is right that Schiano would put the focus on prep for Howard. It’s not that part that’s strange. To me, what was more odd from Schiano is the way he completely skirted around the “health issues” in his opener - all he said was “wish him the best with his health and his family”. No - “prayers going out to Hobbs in dealing with some medical issues leading him to step down” or “I’m sure this was a difficult decision for Hobbs - I know he loves Rutgers”. Think of how he addressed Watson. This was completely different with carefully chosen wording - terse to get it over with ASAP.

So now Schiano is complicit in a cover up? No way.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

So now Schiano is complicit in a cover up? No way.

Huh? No - not at all. If there’s another reason for Hobbs leaving Schiano wouldn’t be at liberty to share it publicly. He and Pike would be handling the situation appropriately and with class. It’s not their job to communicate the details of their boss’ departure.

To be clear - Hobbs surely has some kind of documented heart issue and likely had a recent test done. Rutgers wouldn’t make something like that up entirely. And his doctor probably did advise him to reduce stress. There’s no explanation for the Friday thing or the rest of the weirdness though. If it was simply Hobbs wishes to get this overwith and not be in the spotlight, Holloway’s announcement would’ve said something like - “out of respect for Hobbs privacy and his request to be left alone to focus on his health and family - we will not be holding any functions to honor his tenure - however that doesn’t take away from our gratitude for the wonderful things he did for Rutgers. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time”. That’s not how it was positioned.

 

[WhiteBus]

1) I really hate to be negative on this

2) and hope very much to be wrong.

3) Damn Politi already published an article foreshadowing more to come.

1) You seem to be enjoying it greatly.

2) No you don't, you can't wait to say I told you so!

3) no he didn't, he speculated something, didn't promise anything is coming out. But your viewpoint proves you are enjoying this and can't wait for a possible firestorm of negative news about Hobbs. Your posts are like a kid before Christmas waiting for the big moment. And you do a bad job hiding it!

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

1) You seem to be enjoying it greatly.

2) No you don't, you can't wait to say I told you so!

3) no he didn't, he speculated something, didn't promise anything is coming out. But your viewpoint proves you are enjoying this and can't wait for a possible firestorm of negative news about Hobbs. Your posts are like a kid before Christmas waiting for the big moment. And you do a bad job hiding it!

It proves I’m “enjoying” this? Sure - ok. I hate everything about this man, but think what you will. I want nothing more than to be completely wrong.

For the avoidance of doubt - I hope more than anything that everything was handled this way (I.e. very different from the way we’ve ever handled an announcement of any retirement / resignation / leave of absence of prominent folks at RU who are in good standing) simply because that’s what Hobbs wanted.

 

[JayDogSmooth]

I agree. I could care less about what went down - for me it won’t change the fact that Hobbs did a great job as AD during his tenure.

My concern is that we have an opportunity to do great things this year in football and basketball and I hate the idea of any potential distractions down the road. This feels like a loose end - time bomb of sorts where at some point the SL will release an article with more information about the departure. I really hate to be negative on this and hope very much to be wrong. Damn Politi already published an article foreshadowing more to come. It may not even be something that bad and I could see it being framed in a way that’s distracting and reputationally damaging to our program in an untimely way, because that’s just how the Star Ledger tends to roll - anything for clicks. Sigh

I think we can all admit that it was not an ideal time for Hobbs to step down, and while the circumstances seem strange to us, the teams and their respective coaches are pretty focused on what’s going on in their own universe so this is hopefully merely a headshake and semi-distraction all things considered

I’m just grateful he put us in the position that he did, but the facilities, coaches, increased, giving, NIL, etc.

What’s done is done and we are in a much better position than when he first took over

 

[WhiteBus]

It proves I’m “enjoying” this? Sure - ok. I hate everything about this man, but think what you will. I want nothing more than to be completely wrong.

For the avoidance of doubt - I hope more than anything that everything was handled this way (I.e. very different from the way we’ve ever handled an announcement of any retirement / resignation / leave of absence of prominent folks at RU who are in good standing) simply because that’s what Hobbs wanted.

Sure you do 🙄

 

[mikemarc1]

Usually people you spread unsubstantiated rumors in any aspect of life are people who enjoy the gossip and take pleasure in it.

If you truly dislike this rumor and hope it’s fake, let’s stop spreading it

 

[RUPete]

I agree. I could care less about what went down - for me it won’t change the fact that Hobbs did a great job as AD during his tenure.

My concern is that we have an opportunity to do great things this year in football and basketball and I hate the idea of any potential distractions down the road. This feels like a loose end - time bomb of sorts where at some point the SL will release an article with more information about the departure. I really hate to be negative on this and hope very much to be wrong. Damn Politi already published an article foreshadowing more to come. It may not even be something that bad and I could see it being framed in a way that’s distracting and reputationally damaging to our program in an untimely way, because that’s just how the Star Ledger tends to roll - anything for clicks. Sigh

Players don't care about this stuff. They're in a bubble during the season. If it had to do directly with one of their coaches, maybe. But not this.

 

[DC8690]

Does anyone know for sure this vacation wasn’t already planned? All the speculation that he hopped on a plane to run away from something could all be wrong also.

 

[mikemarc1]

Does anyone know for sure this vacation wasn’t already planned? All the speculation that he hopped on a plane to run away from something could all be wrong also.

No one knows a thing and if they tell you otherwise they’re full of it

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Usually people you spread unsubstantiated rumors in any aspect of life are people who enjoy the gossip and take pleasure in it.

If you truly dislike this rumor and hope it’s fake, let’s stop spreading it

I’m not spreading the Reddit rumor. There’s no reason to believe any part of that and to be clear, no reliable information about anything has been published anywhere and I already said I don’t think the heart issues are made up. We wouldn’t do that.

But that doesn’t change the fact that there’s no announcement from anyone at Rutgers keeping Hobbs in their thoughts and prayers as he deals with his medical issues. That is very very odd - if all there is to this story is what was released - shame on the university.

It feels like we’re giving him the cold shoulder on this - actually reminds me of how an employee in our accounting department who chose to wait to collect their bonus and then gave notice smack in the middle of busy season would be treated. Who knows? Maybe it’s just that our administration feels like he knew this was in the pipeline and dropped this bomb At the worst possible time. It could plausibly be this or any number of things but for whatever reason, he doesn’t seem to be departing on the best of terms with Rutgers.

 

[RUinPinehurst]

"We really were looking for someone who had impeccable credentials and the highest ethical activity, someone who was known throughout the state and the government and in the business and academic communities; someone who had experience both in academia and in athletics."
-- Robert Barchi (on Hobbs' hiring)
Dec 2015

Hobbs was on "sabbatical" at the time of his RU hire, and recently divorced.

Before his stint at SHU, he was Chris Christie's ethics czar, among other things, overseeing the administration's whistleblower program.

 

[BossNJ]

‘Cause it’s so very difficult to not engage in speculation about other’s private lives?

Almost all of you: “But everyone else does it, so it’s okay.”

Hm.

Anonymous message board. Need I say more?

 

[BossNJ]

Who has said it’s a “catastrophic health emergency”?

It was sold as serious enough to abruptly resign so yeah, the assumption would be that’s it’s quite serious.

 

[BossNJ]

The totality of the facts available to us all reasonably suggest cause for questioning the reason he gave for his abrupt resignation. They include:

1) Abrupt and immediate resignation announced late on a Friday.
2) Schiano not mentioning him during B1G media day.
3) No public statements from Holloway or the governor, and vague, tepid words from Schiano.
4) Immediate overseas “vacation” despite having a “medical condition” serious enough for an abrupt resignation.

It is human nature for people to speculate, especially with questionable circumstances.

And of course, anonymous internet message boards certainly don’t discourage such speculation.

All of you pearl clutchers can’t be serious..

 

[BABYBULL24]

Schiano seems unfazed by the situation but you can judge for your self.

 

[WhiteBus]

I’m not spreading the Reddit rumor. There’s no reason to believe any part of that and to be clear, no reliable information about anything has been published anywhere and I already said I don’t think the heart issues are made up. We wouldn’t do that.

But that doesn’t change the fact that there’s no announcement from anyone at Rutgers keeping Hobbs in their thoughts and prayers as he deals with his medical issues. That is very very odd - if all there is to this story is what was released - shame on the university.

It feels like we’re giving him the cold shoulder on this - actually reminds me of how an employee in our accounting department who chose to wait to collect their bonus and then gave notice smack in the middle of busy season would be treated. Who knows? Maybe it’s just that our administration feels like he knew this was in the pipeline and dropped this bomb At the worst possible time. It could plausibly be this or any number of things but for whatever reason, he doesn’t seem to be departing on the best of terms with Rutgers.

And yet you try to claim you're not enjoying it but continue to go on with plenty of negative scenarios about Hobbs and Rutgers. Yes you are enjoying this. You are loving this!

 

[Knight Shift]

You want to believe that nothing else is there, but the circumstances of his departure are odd because its so abrupt. And the news was released on Friday.

Under normal circumstances you would at least deserve a cake and recognition at a football game, given his tenure. But these are not normal circumstances.

Furthermore, he and his wife took the next plane to Ireland. So he wouldn’t have to answer questions.

Al- when do you sleep? 4:18 a.m.!!!!
I don't want to believe anything. I take things at face value, and I don't engage in unsupported innuendo. I will agree with you on one point-the announcement was indeed abrupt and used the Friday news dump method. I checked the flight schedules to Ireland from NYC, and there were 15 other flights before the one they were on, so there's that. He doesn't have to answer questions. It's not his job any more.

 

[Knight Shift]

Schiano seems unfazed by the situation but you can judge for your self.

View embedded media

Schiano is a leader. He projects strength and calm in the face of uncertainty. He is laser focused on leading his team to victory. He also said he does not expect to have much of a role in selecting the new AD, because his job is to coach the football team.

 

[King of S]

Does anyone know for sure this vacation wasn’t already planned? All the speculation that he hopped on a plane to run away from something could all be wrong also.

Was Pat already in Ireland when the announcement was made?

 

[Knight Shift]

Yes it does. I know two teachers that do it

I think teachers have different "rules." There was something in that pdf I linked above about that. But we are at this point in the analysis:

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Schiano seems unfazed by the situation but you can judge for your self.

View embedded media

Yes - exactly - there’s definitely no emotion, sympathy or any of the like. His direct boss stepped down suddenly right before the season for medical reasons and issued a statement saying that he’d like nothing more than to have been a part of Dylan Harper / possible playoff push for football. Compare that to Watson.

 

[RUPete]

Schiano is a leader. He projects strength and calm in the face of uncertainty. He is laser focused on leading his team to victory. He also said he does not expect to have much of a role in selecting the new AD, because his job is to coach the football team.

I think many on this board are overanalyzing his comments (not you) - I think they were fine and do not indicate anything beyond what he said.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Schiano is a leader. He projects strength and calm in the face of uncertainty. He is laser focused on leading his team to victory. He also said he does not expect to have much of a role in selecting the new AD, because his job is to coach the football team.

Yeah - he handled all of that like a pro. It was completely inappropriate of Brian (SL) to ask Schiano details about any conversation he had with Pat. Nothing about any of his responses to the Q&A were odd at all. I agree with you.

Just the monotone intro. It could be bundled in the category with the Friday news dump and Holloway’s messaging. A leader maintains a demeanor of strength, yes, but Schiano is also a master of displaying kindness and compassion when it’s called for and at face value this would be a textbook situation. No “my thoughts and prayers are with Pat and his family”. “I know how hard it’s going to be to step away from everything we were building” - considering Hobbs had already come out and said as much.

Look - all one has to do is go back and see how things with Watson were handled and it’d be impossible not to acknowledge there are major differences.

 

[Knight Shift]

Usually people you spread unsubstantiated rumors in any aspect of life are people who enjoy the gossip and take pleasure in it.

If you truly dislike this rumor and hope it’s fake, let’s stop spreading it

Yes. I learned early in life that dwelling in rumors and innuendo can only lead to trouble and ruined relationships. Saw it in high school, saw it as part of a volunteer organization I belonged to. The best example was within the first year or two after graduation, a friend worked at a large, prestigious tech company in California. One of the VPs was banging one of the office hotties, and it was water cooler/coffee room fodder in the office. According to my friend, the VP sniffed out everyone who was spreading the rumor and fired them all. Can't verify if this is true or not, because my friend retired due to a sudden medical issue, left for Ireland and never came back. Well, the last sentence is not true, but I do recollect the other part of the story as it was told to me.

It's so much easier to be part of the rumor mill on an internet message board.

I think many on this board are overanalyzing his comments (not you) - I think they were fine and do not indicate anything beyond what he said.

Yeah, frankly, he could have said more, and maybe it raises an eyebrow for a moment. But I don't care. I would rather he focus on his job and coach the team to a winning season. THAT would erase any purported scandal that may be brewing if Rutgers started the season 7-0 or 6-1 heading to USC. THAT is all I really care about on a Rutgers football message board. THAT does not make me better than anyone else. I just don't care about other people's personal lives and why our esteemed former AD resigned suddenly. If more comes out so be it.

Greg is rightfully focused on the right thing. I think he has said it numerous times, and something I have lived by--you can only control what is immediately in front of you. Focusing on the past or the future or great thieves to success.

 

[yesrutgers01]

Going back through the thread- One thing I DONT think Hobbs is all that worried about is his heathcare coverage. He can have cobra for 18 months and then get his own coverage- the man most likely had a 8 figure net worth...

 

[RUPete]

Going back through the thread- One thing I DONT think Hobbs is all that worried about is his heathcare coverage. He can have cobra for 18 months and then get his own coverage- the man most likely had a 8 figure net worth...

He's almost eligible for Medicare too.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Yes. I learned early in life that dwelling in rumors and innuendo can only lead to trouble and ruined relationships. Saw it in high school, saw it as part of a volunteer organization I belonged to. The best example was within the first year or two after graduation, a friend worked at a large, prestigious tech company in California. One of the VPs was banging one of the office hotties, and it was water cooler/coffee room fodder in the office. According to my friend, the VP sniffed out everyone who was spreading the rumor and fired them all. Can't verify if this is true or not, because my friend retired due to a sudden medical issue, left for Ireland and never came back. Well, the last sentence is not true, but I do recollect the other part of the story as it was told to me.

It's so much easier to be part of the rumor mill on an internet message board.

Yeah, frankly, he could have said more, and maybe it raises an eyebrow for a moment. But I don't care. I would rather he focus on his job and coach the team to a winning season. THAT would erase any purported scandal that may be brewing if Rutgers started the season 7-0 or 6-1 heading to USC. THAT is all I really care about on a Rutgers football message board. THAT does not make me better than anyone else. I just don't care about other people's personal lives and why our esteemed former AD resigned suddenly. If more comes out so be it.

Greg is rightfully focused on the right thing. I think he has said it numerous times, and something I have lived by--you can only control what is immediately in front of you. Focusing on the past or the future or great thieves to success.

I agree with you. If there is more to his departure, I personally could care less as long as it has nothing to do with Greg, Pike or either program on the rise.

I’d strongly prefer if any further news about this is going to come out though, to just get it over with ASAP. The players deserve for the news around RU to be positive hype around the much anticipated seasons. Any negative articles about the program would be a distraction to that on social media during the season.

 

[Knight Shift]

I agree with you. If there is more to his departure, I personally could care less as long as it has nothing to do with Greg, Pike or either program on the rise.

I’d strongly prefer if any further news about this is going to come out though, to just get it over with ASAP. The players deserve for the news around RU to be positive hype around the much anticipated seasons. Any negative articles about the program would be a distraction to that on social media during the season.

As @RUPete said, doubtful the players care or are following this. Greg and the coaches are their leaders. Bet that very few of them knew the AD or care who is the AD. Could be wrong. Having a successful season will overshadow and possibly erase any other potential bad news that does not happen on the field.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Going back through the thread- One thing I DONT think Hobbs is all that worried about is his heathcare coverage. He can have cobra for 18 months and then get his own coverage- the man most likely had a 8 figure net worth...

He's almost eligible for Medicare too.

KS already confirmed his wife has good coverage. He can go on her plan. This is a non-starter. Politi is just wrong there. His contract also probably entitles his to sick pay if he leaves in good standing. There’s nothing strange about him choosing not to take a leave if he knows he’s not returning. If anything - it’s the honorable thing to do.

 

[jaydogsmooth1]

If he did what he's being accused of, I wish it would all be swept under the rug for the sake of W's and success
Call me crazy, but I think we're starting to get to the point as a fanbase

In the landscape of big-time college athletics, results are what matters - not infidelity, divorces, cheating, etc.
It's all about winning

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

As @RUPete said, doubtful the players care or are following this. Greg and the coaches are their leaders. Bet that very few of them knew the AD or care who is the AD. Could be wrong. Having a successful season will overshadow and possibly erase any other potential bad news that does not happen on the field.

Yeah I agree. The players won’t care about the AD per se. But it would be so Rutgers like for us to finally crack the top 25 or some other great milestone and instead of the news articles being focused on that - the SL wouls jump in and roll out some bomb story about our former AD. Maybe I just worry too much - but I feel like that kind of thing has happened to us often throughout our history.

Thats why - for me, if there’s going to be anything else that comes out on this at any point I’m pulling for soon while there isn’t much other stuff going on.