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Rutgers hires outside firm to investigate its football program

Rutgers University has retained an outside law firm to review the school's football program, according to NJ.com.

“Rutgers has retained outside counsel with expertise in NCAA infractions to help identify any potential rules violations,” Peter McDonough, Rutgers' senior vice president for external affairs told the website in a statement. “This is an ongoing and rigorous process that helps us to identify any shortcomings, to self-report them as required by NCAA rules and to remedy them as best practices demand.”

According to NJ.com, which cited sources familiar with the investigation, the law firm will focus on “an allegation that a recently arrested player failed multiple drug tests while on the team; and the recruiting ambassador program, which is at the center of simple assault charge against star wide receiver Leonte Carroo.”

The firm Bond, Schoeneck & King from Overland, Kan., is known for its work as a liaison between schools and the NCAA to alert schools whether there are violations to report. After the firm finishes its investigation, it presents the school with its findings. The school can present the findings to the NCAA to determine whether or not to dole out penalties on the school.

The issue of drug tests center around former backup fullback Lloyd Terry, who was dismissed after he was charged with armed robbery in September. Terry told police he became addicted to marijuana at Rutgers and failed multiple drug tests while a member of the program, according to Middlesex County First Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Kuberiet. The Rutgers football drug policy allows for education during the first three offenses before dismissal after the fourth offense.

The issue of the female recruiting ambassador relates to prospective student athletes. The woman who alleged Carroo slammed her against the concrete during an altercation worked for the football program as a football host that is tasked with showing recruits around during their recruiting visits. While her dating Carroo is not against NCAA rules, it would be against NCAA rules if she had a relationship with any prospective student athlete.

For more Rutgers news, visit ScarletNation.com.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter!

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