Amid Allegations of Bullying by Ex-Player From South Brunswick, Rutgers Trounced by Cincinnati

One day after allegations of bullying directed at the team’s defensive coordinator by a former Rutgers University football player from South Brunswick surfaced, the Scarlet Knights surrendered more than 50 points for the third time this season in a blowout loss to Cincinnati at home Saturday afternoon.

Rutgers fell to the Bearcats, 52-17, in a game that was 52-7 with about five minutes left. 

The Scarlet Knights also gave up 52 points in a loss to Fresno State and a triple overtime win over Southern Methodist this season, and 49 points in their homecoming lost to Houston on Oct. 26.

The Scarlet Knights have one shutout this year, a 38-0 win over Norfolk State.

On Friday night, reports surfaced that former defensive back and South Brunswick High School standout Jevon Tyree has accused defensive coordinator Dave Cohen of getting in Tyree's face during a study hall session in the spring, and using profane language and threatening to head butt him. They say the University is defending Cohen.

Head coach Kyle Flood didn’t address questions concerning the issue during Saturday’s postgame press conference, instead referring to a statement issued by the University Friday night. He did admit that the events of the previous 24 hours were a distraction for the players, without specifically referencing the allegations, according to the postgame transcript issued by the athletic department.

In its statement, the University claims the situation was dealt with shortly after it happened in April, and that Flood and Athletic Director Julie Hermann each met with Tyree’s parents. However, the former South Brunsick star's parents denied meeting with Hermann and his father called the response “completely insane,” according to nj.com.

His parents, Mark and Clarice, have sought disciplinary action against Cohen. In addition to the bullying, Cohen could be held accountable for the performance of the team on his side of the ball this season.

On Saturday, the Bearcats jumped out to a 38-7 halftime lead. Cincinnati led 52-7 with just under five minutes left in the game.

Cincinnati quarterback Brendon Kay threw for 405 yards and four touchdowns. Cincinnati’s three quarterbacks passed for a total of 507 yards, and each threw at least one touchdown against the Scarlet Knights’ defense, which did have one interception.

The Rutgers’ offense didn’t do much to help.

Senior quarterback Gary Nova was 18-of-38 passing for 170 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He connected with senior Brandon Coleman on a 16-yard scoring pass in the first quarter.

It was Rutgers’ only score until running back Savon Huggins found the end zone with 4:53 left in the game.

Kyle Federico’s 36-yard field goal rounded out the scoring for the Scarlet Knights.

Rutgers fell to 5-4 overall, 2-3 in American Athletic Conference play. Rutgers has a short week to prepare for a Thursday night trip to Central Florida (8-1, 5-0) Thursday night for a game that will be nationally televised on ESPN.

Cincinnati (8-2, 5-1) visits Houston (7-2, 4-1) next Saturday.

The controversy erupts less than a year after former basketball coach Mike Rice was fired after a video surfaced in which Rice was seen yelling offensive language and shoving and kicking players during basketball practice. 

Former Athletic Director Tim Pernetti resigned shortly thereafter, and was replaced by Hermann.

When he played at South Brunswick, MaxPreps.com’s Tom Lemmings labeled Tyree as “active, tough and aggressive.”

Tyree officially left the team on Nov. 6, but remains enrolled in classes at Rutgers, according to nj.com.