Courage and a Cause Blog

The removal of Rutgers University-Newark Director of Athletics Mark Griffin is essential to the well-being of the student-athletes at the institution. During his tenure, there have been cases of academic integrity, Title IX violations, lack of institutional control, NCAA violations, and corrupt financial dealings in regards to camps, budgets and salaries.

Griffin has built a toxic culture within the department that has resulted in the following:

1. a convicted child molester as a member of men's basketball program.

2. An ex-convict (sentenced to 24 years, 3 months in state prison for carjacking)  as   a player and now coach.

3. A former coach found having sexual relations with a student-athlete on his team.

4. Abusive, homophobic, and racial comments made by Mr. Griffin and staff.

5. Sex Discrimination by Mr. Griffin in regards to salary, raises and responsibilities..

6. Lack of Academic Integrity.

7. Lack of Oversight

8. Lack of Institutional Control

9. Lack of Accountability

10. Failure to uphold the University Mission Statement.

The University administration has been notified of the above events and actions but has refused to hold Mr. Griffin accountable despite the University's four internal investigations of the department and a lawsuit by a former coach and six women's basketball student-athletes that resulted in a whopping $2.8 million settlement.

To protect the current and future student-athletes of the University, Mr. Griffin needs to be removed as the Director of Athletics and the University administration needs to be held accountable for its inaction.

RU-N Athletic Director Investigated for Alleged Racial and Homophobic Remarks – Mark Griffin Denies Ever Using Any “Slurs”​

Rutgers-Newark University Lawsuit Alleges Discrimination by Coaches ​

Rutgers Hit With Class Action Over Women’s Basketball ​

Lawsuit Field in Superior Court of Ne​w Jersey