Cornerback Jevon Tyree quit the football team on November 6 because of alleged bullying by defensive coordinator Dave Cohen.
Cohen has been accused of getting in Tyree's face and calling him a "p----" and a "b----" (fill in the blanks) and threatened to head-butt him during a study hall session in April. Ironically the same time when Rice was fired for doing the same to members of the basketball team.
The incident happened in front of approximately 10 teammates and a tutor, Jevon Tyree said, and it led to the 19-year-old's escalating ostracization, eventually driving him to quit. Tyree says it ruined his standing on the team, he received less repetitions in practice which eventually cost him any possible playing time. He also claims to be excluded from some of the team meetings.
Tyree's parents, mark and Clarice have pushed for disciplinary action against Cohen.
Clarice Tyree called it "an outright bullying episode," and Mark Tyree said the behavior soon "transferred to the other coaches."
"I really think disciplinary action should happen, almost to the point where (Cohen) should get fired. I really do," Mark Tyree said. "That's how bad it is, especially for the damage he's done to Jevon."
The parents said they met with both Cohen and head coach Kyle Flood. "(Cohen) tried to apologize," Mark Tyree said, "and I was like, 'Well, the apology really isn't accepted. We want Jevon to get an opportunity. He's been battling this abuse and it's been trickling down to your other coaches on defense.' "
Tyree's father also wanted to meet with the athletic director Julie Hermann but according to him his request was denied. Hermann has also been accused of abusive behavior in the past.
Jevon Tyree says that Cohen's behavior stemmed from a spring practice incident when he injured his hamstring running the 40 yard dash.
Rutgers has released a statement about this case.
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