After a few more alterations to loosen it up, the heavy fiberglass cast, wrapped in athletic tape, emerged as the best option, and Gardner began using it at the start of the season.

WSJ: It's for Sliding, Not Baking

Murdock told ESPN that he alerted the athletic department to Rice's behavior on the tape and was fired for reporting it.

WSJ: Rutgers Fires Head Basketball Coach Mike Rice

The tape was initially shown to the Rutgers athletic department in November, prompting an internal investigation that resulted in Rice being suspended, fined and ordered to undergo mandatory counseling.

WSJ: Hard Questions for Rutgers