Hermann Addresses Allegations, Says She is Ready to Begin Working at RU

Rutgers University's controversial new Athletic Director addressed reporters on Wednesday afternoon, stating that she is looking forward to begin her work at RU despite controversies swirling around her.

Julie Hermann spoke for just under 14 minutes, according to a report on NJ.com.

According to the report, Hermann opened her remarks by addressing the university's involvement with the Big Ten, which will "raise the stature of Rutgers University," she said, according to the report.

Hermann came under fire last month after allegations of physical and mental abuse toward players on the University of Tennessee volleyball team surfaced. The abuse was alleged to have taken place 16 years ago.

In relation to the allegations, on Wednesday, Hermann said she was "a young coach" during her time at the University of Tennessee, and had difficulty managing the team, according to the NJ.com report.

Former assistant coach Ginger Hineman has also stated that Hermann unfairly fired her after she had a baby. This followed comments of a similar nature made by Hermann at Hineman's wedding. Hermann initially said she had no recollection of attending Hineman's wedding, before saying it was a “smart alec comment.”

Sports Illustrated later obtained a videotaped copy of those comments. That video played an integral part in Hineman's suit against Tennessee in 1997.

Hermann was hired to take over as Athletic Director after Tim Pernetti resigned over the scandal involving head basketball coach Mike Rice.

Rice was fired from Rutgers after a video surfaced showing what was termed “abusive behavior” toward his players during practice.

Hermann said meeting the Rutgers coaching staff this week left an impression on her, and that she was "very touched and affected by their passion," for the department, according to a report on SNY.tv.

Hermann, the former Athletic Director at the University of Louisville, was one of 63 candidates vetted by a committee made up of Rutgers’ stakeholders and leaders in the sports community around the country.

Rutgers president Robert L. Barchi issued the following statement immediately following Wednesday's press conference:

"I look forward to Julie joining the Rutgers team later this month. Julie and I had a great discussion today about her priorities and plans to strengthen the student-athlete experience and support the excellent coaches and staff at Rutgers by making sure they have the resources to succeed," Barchi said. "Our smooth integration into the Big Ten is a top priority for the university. I am confident that Julie and her team will set the stage for a great transition.