New Rutger’s Coach’s Degree Claim Is False [Report]

New Rutgers coach Eddie Jordan’s degree claim may be false, according to reports, which say the university’s registrar’s record has no record of Jordan graduating the college.

Jordan’s official bio states that he graduated from Rutgers in 1977. However, the registrar’s office says the former NBA player never graduated. He did earn 103 credit hours from the college between 1973 and 1985.

Rutgers acknowledged the mistake on Friday, saying it “was in error when it reported that Eddie Jordan had earned a degree.” But the university added his position doesn’t require him to have one. The release explained:

“Rutgers sought Eddie for the head coach position as a target-of-opportunity hire based on his remarkable public career. Eddie Jordan was inducted into the Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 2004, and he has been part of the Rutgers family since before 1977.”

The Rutgers coach’s degree mistake was likely made by members of the university’s communications department while doing research for Eddie Jordan’s bio. But it appears they never verified the information with the coach.

Jordan has also spoken out about the matter, explaining that he completed his school hours in 1985, but never received a diploma because of a registration issue. He explained:

“Some of the professors are still around and some are gone, but they all know I was in class and did my work. There was arrogance on my part when I was told I didn’t register right, and then I left to [coach at] Old Dominion. I was told my classes were never recorded. I saw a transcript. I will have to find it.”

Along with explaining the mistake, a second statement from Rutgers about their new basketball coach’s degree praised his skills. It added, “his professional accomplishments have been a source of pride for Rutgers for more than three decades.”

Eddie Jordan was hired in April to replace former coach Mike Rice, who was fired after a video was made public showing him kicking and shoving players. He also yelled obscenities and gay slurs at them. Two university administrators also resigned over the scandal.

Do you think the new Rutgers coach should have a degree?