Not sure what race has to do with it. But thanks for the info.
Ron Rutledge's name is often associated with uttering a phantom phrase, never published in a paper, poo-poohing Bob McKillop (I believe) by saying "he can't recruit over 125th street", which some people seem to have taken to mean that St. John's wanted a black coach specifically.
At least that's how I understood it. For some reason, he seems to be cast as a villain in the continuing mediocrity of St. John's basketball (but not Mahoney, who sits next to Louie every game). If someone has more illumination, please let me know.
I see that Foad has commented on this as well.