Public records reveal more insight into ongoing Hobbs, Salim-Beasley investigation
New details of the alleged relationship between Rutgers gymnastics coach Umme Salim-Beasley and former Athletic Director Pat Hobbs were revealed in an NJ Advance Media article published on October 17, shedding light on the details that prompted the initial investigation in June that led to Hobbs' resignation in mid-August, according to details reported in the article.
The article notes that the related internal investigation underway by outside counsel at Lowenstein Sandler to review the climate and culture of the Rutgers gymnastics team is expected to wrap up in November.
Although the engagement letter does not mention the potential relationship between Hobbs and Salim-Beasley as part of the investigative scope, her potential special treatment by the Athletic Department, as alleged by lodged complaints about her methods, has been the subject of questions from investigators.
The article details how travel records collected as part of a public records request filed with Rutgers show that Hobbs traveled out of state at least five times to the same location as the gymnastics team and regularly attended gymnastics practices and team functions during the final 14 months in his position.
Salim-Beasley's salary will also jump by $100,000 by the end of her contract, even though the gymnastics team's winning streak under her lead is the lowest across all University teams.
The relationship between the two, which goes against University policies governing relationships between employees in which a power dynamic may exist, is also why gymnasts posit that their concerns about Salim-Beasley's neglect of mental and physical health and penchant for retaliation were not taken seriously when reported.
"The first thing I said to him was: 'I need you to set any personal relationship you have with Umme aside and listen to me as your student athlete,'" one gymnast in the NJ Advance Media article said. "He goes, 'What are you talking about? Personal relationship? That's not true.' If you're getting defensive, that makes it seem true."
The Daily Targum filed an open public records request for the following documents from the University regarding the Salim-Beasley aspect of the investigation to better understand what led to the issues being investigated today:
All responsive documents related to formal and informal complaints against Rutgers Gymnastics Coach Umme Salim-Beasley
Any relevant documents that detail Rutgers' policies and protocols regarding how student-athletes report incidents and formal complaints
Any relevant documents that detail Rutgers' investigation protocols once complaints are filed and the personnel individuals and departments involved in investigation proceedings
Any documents about Lowenstein Sandler LLC hiring in the investigation of Salim-Beasley's conduct, such as Letters of Engagement and proposals including details on the history of the firm's prior history of engagement with the University
Of those, the University only complied with the fourth, citing their reason for rejection as "improper and overly broad." The University provided the following details:
The University paid Lowenstein Sandler LLC a beginning fee of $50,000, $225,000 for the first month of their investigation and $195,000 for the second.
The investigation will cover not only the alleged policy violations but also the team's culture and whether the University failed to adequately respond to alleged complaints when made.
What comes next is to be determined. As of now, the investigation is still underway, with little to no information other than this original letter of retention indicating that the University is open to negotiating pay should the duration extend beyond two months, but expects the investigation to conclude by November 3.
