The FBI is investigating whether Eric Murdock -- the Rutgers assistant whose practice videos led to the ouster of Rutgers head coach Mike Rice and athletic director Tim Pernetti -- tried to extort the university, according to a New York Times report.
The paper, citing two sources familiar with the investigation, said FBI agent James Tareco recently visited Pernetti's office and other Rutgers locations as part of the probe.
A December letter written by Murdock's attorney, demanding $950,000, was obtained by ESPN and released on Friday. The money was sought as a settlement of Murdock's wrongful termination claims, the letter said.
"We are willing to give your clients until the close of business on Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, to address final resolution of this matter," the letter said. "Otherwise, we have already prepared a Complaint and will file suit without further notice. To resolve claims for damages inclusive of attorney fees and costs, Mr. Murdock is willing to accept $950,000.00."
Rutgers declined to settle the claims. Murdock subsequently released Rutgers' practice video, which was aired Tuesday and showed verbal and physical abuse of players on the part of Rice and assistant coach Jimmy Martelli.
Murdock attorney Barry Kozyra said Friday that any extortion claims against Murdock were "totally nonsense," telling the New York Daily News, "It's a routine and standard letter. You try to get people to settle things before you file."
Rice was fired earlier this week, while Martelli and Pernetti resigned.
Murdock filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against Rutgers on Friday, claiming he was dismissed for being a whistleblower. Rutgers did not renew Murdock's contract after the 2011-12 season.
