Rutgers Men's Basketball Program Ready for Fresh Start

Saying they were afraid to leave their dorm rooms when the controversy surrounding their former coach first broke, players on the Rutgers University men's basketball team told reporters they are ready to move on during Tuesday's Media Day, The Daily Record reports.

Players told media that they were afraid to leave their dorm rooms "for about a month" when the controversy surrounding former coach Mike Rice first erupted, according to the report. Junior guard Myles Mack told reporters students on campus made them out to be the "laugh of the town," according to the report.

Rice came under fire earlier this year for a player abuse scandal. He was fired, and replaced by Eddie Jordan. Former Athletic Director Tim Pernetti resigned as a result of the scandal, and has been replaced by Julie Hermann.

Sophomore guard Logan Kelly told reporters practice has been laid back to this point, with Jordan raising his voice "maybe five times," according to the report.

The regular season begins at home Nov. 8, against Florida A&M.