Schools
Wendell Pierce Arrested, Rutgers Newark Announces New Commencement Speaker
Pierce, known for his role as Detective Bunk Moreland in the HBO series "The Wire," was arrested Saturday morning at Atlanta Lowes Hotel.
Newark, NJ – Actor Wendell Pierce has resigned as the commencement speaker for the 2016 Rutgers University- Newark event, according to a university news release.
Pierce, known for his role as Detective Bunk Moreland in the HBO series "The Wire," was arrested Saturday morning at Atlanta Lowes Hotel, police said.
According to a TMZ report, the actor became physical after a fight over politics.
Find out what's happening in Newarkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- See related article: Wendell Pierce Arrested at Atlanta Hotel: Police
Pierce had been slated to appear as commencement speaker at this year’s ceremonies, but has been replaced by award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien, university officials stated on Monday.
Find out what's happening in Newarkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Rutgers University–Newark was informed by actor and humanitarian Wendell Pierce that in order to assure that commencement 2016 will be a celebration of the accomplishments of its students free of distractions, he is declining to join RU-N and consequently must decline the conferral of an honorary degree.”
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