Rutgers' Kyle Flood Will Coach Opener Despite Investigation

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Kyle Flood will coach Rutgers in its season opener against Norfolk State on Saturday despite an ongoing academic investigation.

Flood announced Thursday after practice there hasn't been a resolution in the investigation into whether he violated school or NCAA rules by contacting a faculty member about the academic status of a player.

Athletic director Julie Hermann attended practice, but didn't comment. The university has been examining Flood's actions for about a week.

"I have no reason to believe I won't be coaching on Saturday," Flood said.

Flood said he wasn't sure if cornerback Nadir Barnwell, whose academic status is in question, would be eligible to play Saturday.

Flood refused to speculate on whether he would be disciplined, saying he'll be respectful of the process. He also wouldn't say whether he had a contingency plan for who would coach the team if he was suspended or fired.

"It's not something we do as a coaching staff. I have a very talented coaching staff, so I have guys that have been head coaches. But again, I will be coaching the game on Saturday," Flood said.

Flood said he doesn't think the investigation has been a distraction for his team.

"I feel right now this has brought the team closer together," Flood said. "I feel good about where the team is at mentally. Ultimately, we're going to find out Saturday at 12 noon."

Flood is entering his fourth season as head coach and his 11th overall at the university. The Queens native is 23-16, taking the Scarlet Knights to a bowl game in each of his first three seasons.

The scene and feeling at practice was different Thursday.

There was a higher security presence, with a security officer blocking Scarlet Knights Way, the road to the Hale Center. More Rutgers officials than usual attended practice.

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