Weeks after he took "full responsibility" for actions leading to a fine and a three-game suspension, Rutgers football coach Kyle Flood returned to the public eye, but not before apologizing to the entire university community.

Kyle Flood at the Russell Athletic Bowl
Kyle Flood at the Russell Athletic Bowl (J. Meric/Getty Images)
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"I've had the opportunity to apologize for this situation to the team, to my family, and I want to take the opportunity now to apologize to the entire Rutgers community," Flood said, according to an article on app.com. "To the students, to the alumni and especially to the faculty  a faculty that I have a tremendous respect for."

The coach hadn't met with the press since Rutgers President Robert Barchi announced his suspension on Sept. 16. Barchi issued the penalty, which includes a $50,000 fine, after an investigation revealed that Flood contacted a faculty member about the grade of a  an athlete he was told would be academically ineligible to play. Such contact is not permissible.

Following the investigation, Barchi wrote that “The policy is well-known among staff in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Coach Flood is specifically tasked with knowing both NCAA and our institutional policies regarding these issues,” Barchi said. “Simply, Coach Flood has no excuse for not knowing the rule and following it.”
Athletic Director Julie Hermann made a statement saying she "fully supported" Flood's punishment and hoped that the incident is taken as “an opportunity to grow as coaches, administrators and staff.”

"Ultimately, what's important is I'm responsible to know the rule. As the head football coach, I'm responsible to know every rule," Flood said, according to app.com.

Toniann Antonelli is the digital managing editor at NJ 101.5. Reach her at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.

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