Rutgers' Eddie Jordan, Former Los Angeles Lakers Assistant, Never Received Bachelor's Degree

Former Los Angeles Lakers assistant, Eddie Jordan, recently accepted the Head Coaching position at his alma mater, Rutgers University.

Jordan was hired after the public fallout of Mike Rice and hoped to turn the program around. I’m still shocked about what I witnessed in those video tapes — however, we won’t go there right now.

“This is going to be a challenge, but a wonderful challenge,” said Jordan on the date of his hiring.

Well, looks like this challenge started earlier than expected.  Turns out Jordan never received his Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers, however his introductory bio on Rutgers website indicated otherwise. The school, known for cover ups, quickly edited the bio after the story first broke on Deadspin.

Jordan later admitted to not finishing his course work due to a “registration error.”

A source familiar with the situation told the Associated Press that it was an error with the communications department. They stated Jordan earned his Health and Physical Education degree in 1977, but nobody confirmed it with Jordan.  And of course, Jordan never denied it as well.

This story reminds me of a situation a long time ago with former Notre Dame head coach George O’Leary.  O’Leary, however, was fired on the spot before he coached a single game.  Jordan’s job appears to be safe according to the New York Post.

Rutgers University is taking full blame for this error (obviously trying to get ahead of this story, unlike last time) and released this statement, “neither Rutgers nor the NCAA requires a head coach to hold a baccalaureate degree.”

I don’t know what’s going on with the Rutgers Athletic Department, but from the look of things not much has changed. Another failure in leadership has occurred and President Barchi‘s hot seat may have gotten a little warmer.

Eric N. Ellington covers the Los Angeles Lakers for Rant Sports. Follow him at @EricNEllington