Big Ten investigating Mark Ortmann incident
The Big Ten is investigating whether Michigan offensive tackle Mark Ortmann punched an opponent in last week's 38-13 loss to Illinois, assistant commissioner for communications Scott Chipman said Monday.
"The conference has been made aware of a potential sportslike conduct issue and has contacted Michigan to begin the review process," Chipman said in an e-mail.
Ortmann appeared to strike Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget in the midsection as Liuget celebrated over him after recovering a Tate Forcier fumble with 14:47 left in the fourth quarter.
Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said he met with Ortmann Monday morning, and the senior left tackle said he didn't punch Liuget, he pushed him away.
“He was upset that a lot of folks were telling him that it was a cheap shot or what have you," Rodriguez said. "He explained to me, ‘Coach, I had an open hand, he was leaning up against me, their players were even telling him to get off me.' And he said, ‘I just kind of shoved him away real quick.”
Replays did not show where or if a punch landed - Ortmann’s helmet was in the way - but Liuget complained to an official after the play and walked hunched over to the Illinois sideline.
Rodriguez said he watched every angle of the Ortmann incident Sunday “and you couldn’t see anything on the" coaches' film. He also said he watched the TV replay and doesn't "think that should be an issue."
“Mark, he’s a great young man and I’m sure when a guy was leaning on him he just wanted him to get off him," Rodriguez said.
Earlier this year, the Big Ten suspended Michigan linebacker Jonas Mouton one game for violating the league’s sportsmanlike conduct policy after he struck Notre Dame center Eric Olsen under the helmet.
Rodriguez said then he “didn’t see anybody throw a punch or anything like that” on film.
The Big Ten also suspended Purdue offensive lineman Zach Reckman for one game earlier this year for striking a Northern Illinois player in a non-football manner. Ortmann has made 17 straight starts for Michigan, which hosts the Boilermakers on Satuday. The Wolverines (5-4, 1-4) need one win to become bowl eligible.
Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.
Comments
OSUbeBetter
Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 1:58 a.m.
The Illinois player just picked up the fumble and as with any fumble there were about 10 guys on the ground all around it. Liguet was walking off the field with the ball in his hand and Ortman was still sitting on his butt on the ground. Liuget went to step over Ortman, and ortman grabbed him by the thigh and Upper cutted him right in the "Junk". He wasnt Face Humping Ortman, he was stepping over a guy who was still sitting on his butt. And Ooh im so surprised, Rich Rod still sees nothing. Ill tell you what, if Richrod had admitted to seeing Mouton, and said publicly that the matter was being taken care of, the Big Ten wouldnt have felt the need to step in, now here it is several weeks later and RichRod still hasnt learned to say "Yes i saw it, and its being handeled Internally".
michboy40
Tue, Nov 3, 2009 : 2:48 p.m.
THe BIg Ten will suspend him. It's not as cut and dry as Mouton's punch earlier this year, but still pretty obvious. I just wish RR would quite playing dumb. It's pathetic when the Coach gets up saying it does not look like an issue...it is an issue. I'm tired of the bad press and it's RR's job to take the high road...right or wrong!
rightmind250
Tue, Nov 3, 2009 : 8 a.m.
The B10 precedent was set by Mouton. They have no choice but to suspend Ortmann. This doesn't look good for the Perdue game.
ronnie67
Mon, Nov 2, 2009 : 10:15 p.m.
Just one more NCAA investigation at Ann Arbor.....what is going on this season???
maizenbluenc
Mon, Nov 2, 2009 : 6:39 p.m.
Ortmann was sexually harassed by Liuget. Liuget walked into Ortmann, shoving his crotch in Ortmann's face (at least twice). Liuget is the one who should be penalized for un-sportsman-like conduct. (Would you still have a job if you did that at work?) Really Birkett -- there are much better UofM fan friendly eye grabbing headlines here...
maizenbluenc
Mon, Nov 2, 2009 : 6:38 p.m.
Ortmann was sexually harassed by Liuget. Liuget walked into Ortmann, shoving his crotch in Ortmann's face (at least twice). Liuget is the one who should be penalized for un-sportsman-like conduct. (Would you still have a job if you did that at work?) Really Birkett -- there are much better UofM fan friendly eye grabbing headlines here...
UofMbeWorser
Mon, Nov 2, 2009 : 6:22 p.m.
I asked Bobby Knight, and he said Ortman was just trying to "Reposition" Liuget. He was trying to make Liuget a better player.
chosen1
Mon, Nov 2, 2009 : 5:40 p.m.
suspend them both and then there are no complaints
Detroitrocks
Mon, Nov 2, 2009 : 4:36 p.m.
It was a classless act. This is what Michigan football has become.
81wolverine
Mon, Nov 2, 2009 : 3:22 p.m.
I agree with coach on this one. It's just another overblown incident of no significance. Watch any football game: high school, college, or pro, and you'll see players scuffling after plays. It's no big deal. Yes, if it gets out of hand, then action needs to be taken. But, let's stop trying to police every little thing out there long after the game is over.
Kubrick66
Mon, Nov 2, 2009 : 3:05 p.m.
Three things to learn here... One - Watch where you're going, and who you're running over during your celebration. Two - When you're getting run over after the play has ended use restraint. Three - and this is most important... WIN FOOTBALL GAMES!