RUTGERS FIRES HEAD WOMEN’S GYMNASTICS COACH UMME SALIM-BEASLEY AMID CONTROVERSY

Rutgers University has dismissed Umme Salim-Beasley from her position as head coach of the women’s gymnastics team, according to reporting by NJ.com.

While the university has not publicly confirmed her termination, it announced Wednesday that assistant coach Anastasia Candia has been promoted to head coach. The announcement did not mention Salim-Beasley by name.

Salim-Beasley had been on paid administrative leave following serious allegations from multiple gymnasts, who accused her of fostering a toxic environment marked by bullying, exclusion, and favoritism. An independent investigation conducted by the law firm Lowenstein Sandler substantiated many of those claims and revealed an undisclosed romantic relationship between Salim-Beasley and then-athletic director Patrick Hobbs, who was married at the time.

The report detailed that Salim-Beasley allegedly belittled athletes and body-shamed them for weight gain — accusations she has denied. Athletes told investigators that more than half the team suffered mistreatment under her leadership.

Salim-Beasley’s attorney has argued that gender bias played a role in the backlash, claiming that both men and women often struggle to accept women in coaching roles.

Patrick Hobbs abruptly resigned in August 2024, initially citing health reasons. However, in January, Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway clarified that Hobbs stepped down two days after being informed of an internal investigation into his undisclosed relationship with Salim-Beasley. Holloway confirmed Hobbs is no longer employed or affiliated with the university.

The law firm concluded that Hobbs’s failure to disclose the relationship constituted a conflict of interest, as Salim-Beasley reported directly to him. Hobbs was also accused of showing an unusual level of involvement with the gymnastics program — including attending practices, meets, and even participating in yoga sessions with the team.

Gymnasts said Hobbs also dismissed concerns they raised about Salim-Beasley’s conduct.

Salim-Beasley had led Rutgers gymnastics for six years following her previous tenure at Temple University.

“We are delighted to announce Anastasia as our head gymnastics coach,” said Interim Athletic Director Ryan Pisarri in Wednesday’s statement.