<p>I agree that Dowling’s hands are, euphemistically, not clean in this issue. He’s been a vocal critic of college sports for years and his rants have an odor of envy. But even someone you disagree with is right from time to time. Dowling is right about the poor judgement of some people at Rutgers.</p>
<p>That being said, I’m not sure that attempting to “rehabilitate” Rice wasn’t a credible option. In fact, I think Rice may have a potentially valid claim for a counter suit since by all accounts he did what his bosses told him to; paid fines, sat for counseling and cleaned up his act.</p>
<p>The best speculation I have heard thus far is that the AD and Rice agreement last fall was amicable, with Rice knowing there was no way he would be permitted to join the program when it becomes a B1G member. In other worlds, Rice would quietly serve his suspension, pay his fine and collect the remaining millions on his contract following the B1g move, but not coach at Rutgers after 2013.</p>