New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is joining fans in the outrage over Rutgers’ NCAA Tournament snub.
Taking to social media, the 56th governor of the Garden State said flat-out the Scarlet Knights should be dancing.
“#35 in KenPom rankings. Beat #1 seed Purdue on the road and nearly beat them again two days ago. And won against a number of strong teams during the season. Rutgers should have made the Tourney,” Murphy tweeted. “Period. Full stop.”
#35 in KenPom rankings. Beat #1 seed Purdue on the road and nearly beat them again two days ago. And won against a number of strong teams during the season.
Rutgers should have made the Tourney. Period. Full stop. https://t.co/RPWqesRKZK
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) March 13, 2023
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The sports world reacted to the Jersey governor’s comments on Monday.
“Even the governor of NJ is now tweeting this,” a fan told the NCAA. “You have a lot more explaining to do. This was an absolute bias against Rutgers.”
Even the Governor of NJ is now tweeting this. @NCAA @MarchMadnessMBB you have a lot more explaining to do. This was an absolute bias against Rutgers. https://t.co/H420RYfXbe
— Jaclyn (@jlaz7890) March 13, 2023
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“Beat MI State, Beat Penn State, Beat Perdue…they’re all in, Rutgers is not,” Jennifer Palmieri pointed out.
Beat MI State, Beat Penn State, Beat Perdue…they’re all in, Rutgers is not. 😡 https://t.co/Yjx92FeXIR
— Jennifer Palmieri (@jmpalmieri) March 13, 2023
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“Is this the first time a sitting governor has referenced KenPom?” a user asked.
Is this the first time a sitting governor has referenced KenPom? https://t.co/NcqcfC72ay
— Brian Clark (@BrianClark_) March 13, 2023
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“And governor, a higher NET ranking than every other team in the First Four other than Nevada. 78 of 83 bracketologists on Bracket Matrix predicted Rutgers in the field. We don’t often see snubs like this anymore,” Ben Stevens replied.
And Governor, a higher NET ranking than every other team in the First Four other than Nevada.
78 of 83 bracketologists on Bracket Matrix predicted Rutgers in the field.
We don’t often see snubs like this anymore.
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) March 13, 2023
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From the seats of the RAC to the executive branch, folks are unhappy in New Jersey.