Big Ten clears Michigan's Mark Ortmann to play against Purdue
Left tackle Mark Ortmann will be available for Saturday's must-win game against Purdue after the Big Ten agreed with Michigan’s interpretation that Ortmann did not commit an unsportsmanlike act in last week’s loss to Illinois.
“They agreed with our assessment that there would be no penalties,” Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said Wednesday.
Ortmann appeared to strike Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget in the midsection as Liuget celebrated over him after recovering a Tate Forcier fumble in the fourth quarter.
Rodriguez met with Ortmann on Monday, and Ortmann said he did not punch Liuget but used an open hand to shove him away.
Ortmann’s helmet blocked view of the strike on replays.
Earlier this year, the Big Ten suspended linebacker Jonas Mouton for one game for striking a Notre Dame player under the helmet after Rodriguez declined to discipline him for the act.
Even with Ortmann cleared to play Saturday, Rodriguez said there could be some changes to Michigan’s offensive line. Mark Huyge has practiced some at right tackle this week after starting five of the last six games at guard.
Perry Dorrestein replaced Huyge at tackle earlier this year, but was benched during the Illinois game and is dealing with a back injury. If Huyge starts at tackle, redshirt freshman Patrick Omameh could make his first career start at right guard.
Comments
81wolverine
Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 6:06 p.m.
Good decision by the Big Ten. Unlike Ortmann's situation, THIS is the kind of player violence they need to deal harshly with: http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/11850 This creep on Florida only got a HALF GAME suspension for attempting to maim a player on the other team. Guess the SEC and Florida have different standards of human behavior.
maizenbluenc
Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 4:38 p.m.
I think they should suspend Liuget for "celebrat[ing] over" Ortmann by shoving his "midsection" (ahem, crotch) in Ortmann's face. That's a heck of a lot more of an unsportsmanlike act than shoving him away. Ah well. At least Ortmann is cleared. Report the whole story next time Birkett. Don't minimize what the opponent did (when you can see that on tape), and overstate what our guy did (when you can't see it on tape so you don't know)!
oldmanblue
Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 4:13 p.m.
Wow, it sure feels good to catch a break. I thought Ortmann would be suspended for sure. Maybe our luck will turn around. Purdue is not a very good football team. I know we have played god awful the last few weeks but I would have to believe we find a way to win this game. I think that giving Vince Smith 25 carries and working a ground attack could be the answer. I love Brown and Miner but it just hasn't been their year.
22michigan22
Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 4:13 p.m.
Good. Nice call Big Ten.