Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2358: Rutgers University President Robert Barchi on Tim Pernetti Resignation & Mike Rice Firing - Body Language of Regret

The above video is a clip from a press conference which took place on Friday 5 April 2013 wherein Rutgers University President Robert Barchi spoke about the resignation of the school's athletic director, Tim Pernetti. This was in regards to the recently much publicized scandal with Rutgers Mens Basketball Coach Mike Rice and his physical and verbal abuse of his players.

At multiple times during this video, Mr. Barchi demonstrates nonverbal displays of the emotion of regret in the form of a bitter, thin-lipped pseudosmile. They are difficult to see and recognize due to his downward head/neck tilt. Such an emotion is certainly within the context for what is expected - both a personal and a professional embarrassment for the University President.

The emotion of regret - as displayed in this video - does not alone indicate whether Barchi feels he shares any direct personal responsibility for what has been placed on Tim Pernetti's shoulders. Are there any nonverbals present here which indicate Barchi feels that he is partially responsible for not firing Mike Rice earlier or does he believe he is not at fault? Does his body language here demonstrate innocence? If you were guiding attorneys in the voir dire process, would you advise them to pick Robert Barchi on your jury?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2354:  Rutgers' Basketball Coach Mike Rice  Body Language of Averting Gaze

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2323:  Jodi Arias Murder Trial  The Body Language of Self-Contempt-Regret

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1517:  Signals of Acquiescence and Regret  Rick Santorum Drops Out

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 347:  Joe Paterno's Regret

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1253:  Peyton Manning's Bitter Smile

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1696:  George Zimmerman's Testimony -  Fear, Incredulity, Regret & Contempt

Negotiation Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1499:  Bill Clinton's Empathy for Eric Fehrnstrom and  Mitt Romney ... What's Your Sincerity Quotient?

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2320:  Estonian Skier Andrus Veerpalu  Denies Performance Enhancing Drugs -  What his Body Language Tells Us

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Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2354: Rutgers' Basketball Coach Mike Rice Body Language of Averting Gaze

Rutgers Basketball Head Coach Mike Rice was fired today after videos of him physically abusing his players as well as using homophobic slurs became open knowledge. Athletic Director Tim Pernetti and Rutgers University President Robert Barchi are both now under scrutiny for having not fired the coach in December 2012, when they had first learned of his behavior. Given the recent history a highly publicized suicide of then student Tyler Clementi, many find Rutgers University's gross lack of judgment particularly disturbing.

In the above image Coach Rice is shown making physical contact with a player. Note the athlete's lack of eye contact. During moments of scolding and reprimand with some cultures and subcultures - it is considered proper nonverbal behavior and a sign of respect to look away and avoid eye contact. In other subcultures, the opposite is true.

Another reason for lack of eye contact in this photo crosses cultural boundaries. When we invade others' personal space and particularly when their intimate zones are broached or even if direct physical contact is made - it is natural act to have lack of eye contact. The eyes will instinctively look away. Exceptions may occur among family members and when other relationships-of-significant-affection are involved. Another exception is also seen here with Coach Rice - the emotion of intense anger or rage.

Can you name any other body language scenarios where lack of eye contact is seen?

See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2327: What is meant by "Eye Contact"? A Body Language Fundamental

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2092:  The Importance of Eye Contact -  Contributing Author to "The Language Lab"

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 385:  Lack of Eye Contact in the Context of Guilt

Negotiation Body Language Secret # 353:  Brad Pitt's Smiling Eyes -  Sincere and Insincere Smiles

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1858:  What the Eyes Do - Transitioning from Mild to Severe Anger

Dating & Romance Nonverbal Communication Secret # 1010:  What Makes the Twinkle in Her Eye?

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