University of Tennessee official voices support for Rutgers' incoming athletic director

FILE - In this Wednesday, May 15, 2013 file photo, Julie Hermann speaks during a news conference where she was introduced as the new athletic director at Rutgers University, in Piscataway, N.J. Hermann, hired to clean up Rutgers' 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, The Star-Ledger reported Saturday, May 25, 2013, on its website. (AP Photo/Mel Evans, File) (The Associated Press)

May 15, 2013: Julie Hermann listens during a news conference where she was introduced as the new athletic director at Rutgers University, in Piscataway, N.J. Hermann, hired to clean up Rutgers' 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, The Star-Ledger reported Saturday, May 25, 2013, on its website. (AP) (The Associated Press)

A high ranking official at the University of Tennessee has voiced her support for Rutgers' incoming athletic director Julie Hermann, who is facing allegations she verbally abused players while she was the volleyball coach with the Volunteers.

In a statement released Tuesday, Joan Cronan, women's athletic director emeritus at Tennessee, says she holds Hermann in high regard, and that while "it was a very frustrating time for everyone connected with the volleyball program, I do not recall it being an abusive situation."

In a conference call Monday, Hermann said she hasn't considered resigning following a report that 16 years ago she humiliated Tennessee players. She denied having knowledge of a letter players say they submitted. The 49-year-old Hermann acknowledged she made mistakes, but says she has matured and believes she is qualified to lead Rutgers.

Hermann will begin her new post June 17.