PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers University has initiated an external investigation into its gymnastics program following allegations of bullying, favoritism, and retaliation by head coach Umme Salim-Beasley. The decision to hire a law firm for the investigation was announced by President Jonathan Holloway earlier this week.
The allegations, reported by NJ Advance Media, include claims from former gymnasts who described a “toxic” environment under Salim-Beasley. Seven former athletes and one current team member spoke of their experiences, which prompted the university to hire Lowenstein Sandler partner Matthew Boxer to lead the investigation.
The announcement came shortly after the unexpected retirement of Athletic Director Pat Hobbs on August 16, citing health reasons.
Boxer, a former New Jersey state comptroller and federal prosecutor, previously conducted an investigation into Rutgers’ softball program in 2020 after allegations of emotional abuse and excessive conditioning arose.
In a statement, Holloway emphasized the importance of the investigation, stating, “This effort will ensure that any and all concerns raised about the program have been thoroughly reviewed.” He also highlighted that recommendations from the review would be made public.
Rutgers will pay the firm a $50,000 retainer, with fees for the first month set at $225,000, dropping to $195,000 for the second. The university will reassess the fees if the review extends beyond two months.
Holloway reassured the university’s governing boards on August 31 that the institution had applied its policies appropriately in handling the gymnastics program. He reiterated Rutgers’ commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students, adding that the investigation would align with the university’s policies, legal requirements, and NCAA standards
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