Delany: ‘Rutgers Will Be a Member of the Big Ten’

NEW YORK (AP) - Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany says recent troubles for the athletic programs at Rutgers will not interfere with its entry into conference.

Rutgers is on target to join the Big Ten in 2014, along with Maryland.

Rutgers has been navigating its way through a bevy of problems in recent months. Men's basketball coach Mike Rice was fired for cursing and throwing balls at players, and athletic director Tim Pernetti was forced out for not getting rid of Rice sooner.

Incoming athletic director Julie Hermann has faced allegations of being verbally abusive while leading Tennessee volleyball.

Delany called Rutgers' problems a local issue that will not involve the Big Ten.

Delany says: "You should rest assured that Rutgers will be a member of the Big Ten, on time, in place."