Report: Rutgers football gets more money

NEWARK, N.J., Sept. 21 (UPI) -- New Jersey lawmakers quietly funneled about $2.25 million to Rutgers University sports programs over the last four years, a newspaper reported Sunday.

The (Newark) Star-Ledger reported more than $500,000 a year was tacked onto the state budget without public scrutiny. It was channeled directly to the football team and athletics department, and kept separate from the school's annual aid package.

The largess came even as direct state aid for the school's academic programs was cut by more than $16.4 million over the past five years, the newspaper reported.

Through the Open Public Records Act, the newspaper said documents and e-mails obtained from the university show most of the money was used for capital improvements and stadium expenses.

"I'm a big supporter of Rutgers athletics," said state Sen. Kevin O'Toole, R-Essex, a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committee. "I understand the need for money, but when tuition is going up 10 percent, you have to think twice before adding it to athletics."

The revelations were made two days after school President Richard McCormick said the athletic department has "lacked transparency" in disclosing its financial arrangements with football Coach Greg Schiano and with the department's marketing firm.