Lawmakers question Rutgers’ athletic program spending

Rutgers University is spending big money on athletics at a time when some other programs have been cut. That has a few N.J. lawmakers irritated.

N.J. Gov. Chris Christie said Wednesday he won’t second-guess the decision by the president of Rutgers University to devote almost $27 million last year to subsidize athletics.

Assemblyman Dave Wolfe, a Republican, says he was shocked to learn that Rutgers spends more on athletics than any other public college in the six biggest football conferences.

“When you look at the kind of things that have been held back and salaries not increased and supplies not provided and programs canceled, I think this is just a question of priorities,” said Wolfe. “Is it athletics or is it academics?’

The governor says the there’s no evidence of waste or abuse.

Rutgers will be getting a new president next year who could change the policy on athletics spending.