NEWARK, N.J. – New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie plans to speak with Rutgers officials about a report that the woman hired to clean up the university' scandal-scarred athletic program quit as Tennessee's women's volleyball coach 16 years ago after her players submitted a letter complaining she ruled through humiliation, fear and emotional abuse.
Christie spokesman Michael Drewniak says the governor is aware of the report about Julie Hermann in the Star-Ledger of Newark, but wants to get more details before commenting.
The newspaper reported Tennessee players wrote that the mentality cruelty they suffered when Hermann was coach was unbearable, adding she called them "whores, alcoholics and learning disabled."
Hermann was hired to replace the ousted Tim Pernetti, who was let go after basketball coach Mike Rice was fired for abusive behavior.
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