Former Rutgers athletic director Pat Hobbs is under investigation by the university for a possible “inappropriate, consensual relationship,” according to a report from NJ Advance Media.
Hobbs, who had held the position for nine years, resigned after he cited health concerns earlier this month.
NJ Advance Media reported that the “investigation is believed to have spurred his abrupt resignation.”
Rutgers did not immediately respond to The Post when asked to comment.
Earlier this week, NJ Advanced Media reported that Rutgers’ gymnastics program was in disarray before his resignation, with head coach Umme Salim-Beasley at the center of complaints from its gymnasts.
Some gymnasts reportedly alleged that Salim-Beasley fostered a “toxic” environment, among other claims, and that when they went to Hobbs for help, they were ignored.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy spoke publicly about the “internal investigation” on Friday, per the outlet.
“I know there is an investigation underway, so I don’t want to preempt that,” Murphy said. “I have no insights into that. But that was really ugly and very disturbing. I’ve reached out to Rutgers at the highest levels. I know they have an internal investigation going, but that was a pretty disgusting set of facts in the paper. We shall see.”
The university had thanked Hobbs for his service to the school after he stepped down on Aug. 16.
“I want to thank Pat for his remarkable nine-year tenure at Rutgers, during which we have seen our men’s and women’s teams become leaders and successfully compete in the Big Ten, both on and off the field,” school president Jonathan Holloway said in an email to university leaders.
During his tenure, Hobbs was credited for “enhancing the student-athlete experience” and emphasizing “elevated communication, improved resource allocation and enriched customer service.”
Hobbs was to make at least $635,000 in base salary this school year with his compensation adjusted to the median of other Big Ten athletic directors, according to his employment contract.
Hobbs’ big move as AD was bringing back Greg Schiano as head football coach in 2019.
Ryan Pisarri has taken over the role on an interim basis.
Hobbs previously served as Seton Hall University’s Dean from 1999 to July 2015 before he tabbed to lead Rutgers athletics later that year.
Hobbs is married to his wife Patrice and the couple share three children.