Sargeant reported on Tuesday afternoon that Flood is under investigation for allegedly using a personal email address to make impermissible contact with a Rutgers faculty member about the academic status of Barnwell.
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Rutgers head coach Kyle Flood and his team wait to enter the field before the Quick Lane Bowl NCAA college football game against North Carolina, Friday, December 26, 2014, in Detroit. One of the university officials monitoring the investigation said the university’s athletics compliance department prohibits coaches from communicating with instructors, however.
Rutgers football head coach Kyle Flood listens to a question about the Scarlet Knights’ recruiting class on national … If Flood is found to have committed a violation, potential disciplinary action from the school includes a public reprimand, suspension or termination from his contract, per the report. All communication must come from an academic support member. According to a source cited by NJ Advance Media, Flood’s intent in sending the email is also a factor for consideration, along with the email’s contents.
It’s not clear whether Flood could be in violation of an NCAA or Big Ten rule just by contacting the professor of one of his players.
Georgia suspended its swimming and diving coach for the first half of the season for a similar infraction.
You can read NJ.com’s full report on the possible rules violation here.
“Is it inappropriate to say, ‘Hey, what’s Nadir Barnwell’s status?’ Maybe, but is it impermissible?” Barnwell reportedly faces academic ineligibility for the upcoming season. “Is there a gray area in this?”
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Nadir Barnwell’s status has been uncertain, as the junior told Sargeant on August 16 he couldn’t discuss his eligibility:”Right now I really can’t comment on that”. If the worst-case scenario plays out, Flood could potentially be out of a job before the start of the season, as the investigation is expected to be wrapped up in short order.
