Big Ten's suspension of William Gholston for punch to Michigan's Taylor Lewan was inevitable
Michigan junior quarterback Denard Robinson is caught up by Michigan State's William Gholston during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium on Saturday.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
This story was updated at 4:43 p.m.
It was inevitable.
The Big Ten suspended Michigan State defensive end William Gholston on Thursday for a punch he levied to the neck of Michigan left tackle Taylor Lewan on Saturday, and he will sit out this week's prime time game against Wisconsin.
Based on precedent, this was the appropriate course of action.
The league suspended former Michigan linebacker Jonas Mouton one game for a punch he threw against Notre Dame in 2009. It's taken similar action before, and will again.
This time, the Big Ten did not specify the precise action for which Gholston is being suspended, but it did say it came at the end of the third quarter of Michigan's 28-14 loss. That indicates it was for the punch.
Already this year, Illinois suspended linebacker Jonathan Brown for a blow to the groin of a Northwestern player. Just this week, Miami suspended defensive tackle Micanor Regis for punching a North Carolina wide receiver.
The difference between those two cases and this one, of course, is that the school suspended those players. Michigan State, after a three-day internal investigation, elected not to suspend Gholston for his punch of Lewan, nor his helmet twist of quarterback Denard Robinson.
This, again, was inevitable.
After all, Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio has shown he's willing to be subjected to public scorn in an effort to defend his players. Right or wrong, it is a reality.
He allowed Chris L. Rucker to play against Iowa last year only two days after completing an eight-day stint in jail. He gave troubled running back Glenn Winston two chances, including letting him back on the team after a fourth-month jail sentence for two assault charges related to the beating of an MSU hockey player.
Clearly, Dantonio is willing to make unpopular choices to get his guys back on the field. His choice to not punish Gholston will be unpopular among some critics, but it also follows suit.
Overall, the Spartans had six personal fouls and 13 penalties, and have drawn criticism locally and nationally for their aggressive play. Again, though, Dantonio's not one to care. He said earlier this week he was not insulted by the perception of his program.
"Not at all,” he said. “I'm proud of how our team plays. We're just playing the game hard. The lack of composure is frustrating, but we're not coaching that."
Gholston seemed to accept his punishment begrudgingly, noting in his statement he was provoked by Lewan.
"I deeply regret momentarily losing my composure late in the third quarter of last Saturday’s game against Michigan," the statement read. "Although provoked, my response was inappropriate."
Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis seemed to echo those thoughts.
"Make no mistake; there is no place for a thrown punch in a football game," he said in a statement. "At the same time, it was important to get beyond the two-second video clip. It is critical that we strive to reduce and eliminate the sporadic incidents that detract from the game. In order to do that, we all must understand, be accountable and manage the environment to reduce these types of reactions.
“We wanted the Big Ten to understand the totality of the situation and that this act does not reflect the culture and values of Spartan Football and Michigan State University."
Dantonio's refusal, then, to suspend Gholston is unsurprising, and expecting him to punish a player for throwing a punch in a physical, sometimes dirty game -- and that went both ways -- was futile.
And, really, that's not the worst thing in the world. After all, it was the Big Ten, not Michigan, that suspended Mouton.
But in the end, regardless of who imposed it, a suspension of Gholston was the only appropriate recourse.
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
Goofus
Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 3:58 a.m.
Can I point out the number of penalties dirty State racked up in the win over Wisky? Can I? ZERO. Not one penalty. Not a one. So much for a team of thugs. Go White!
Goofus
Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 3:54 a.m.
I would personally like to thank all the Michigan fans who gave Sparty motivation to beat Wisconsin today. Thanks, and Go Green!
Terry Star21
Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 12:15 a.m.
Hey Gang, want some irony. Just turned on the Wisconsin michigan state game and they interviewed Isaiah Lewis before the game; he pipes, 'Wisconsin should know we're going to come out and hurt their quarterback today'. He didn't say were 'going to play hard, aggressive or win the game' - "We're going to hurt the quarterback" ! Is this group really a bunch of thugs, seriously ? So, the first play of the game tonight, Lewis gets hurt and they take him out. Maybe, just maybe their is a god of college football saying, 'Enough is enough' !
Goofus
Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 3:55 a.m.
And? And? And?
Terry Star21
Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 1:40 a.m.
Halftime.....Wisconsin's Monte Ball was helmet-to-helmet butted by defense, his head pulled back by defensemen as he lay helpless on ground as dantonio and ref's look the other way...is carried off field with concussion....no arrests made thus far, but nine defensemen's parole officers called in to monitor.....I'm outta here, gonna watch the safer ND vs USC game.
Terry Star21
Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 12:33 a.m.
Seven minutes into the game, Wisconsin QB throws two touchdowns, hasn't been touched yet - in fact on the second touchdown I think I saw him hike the ball, take a drink of water, wipe his brow, tie his shoelace, then throw the TD.
deb
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 5:06 p.m.
Bludogg, I noticed your comment degrading women was deleted. It was rather insightful though, now I can conclude you like to think we still live in the 1940's when it was ok to think women couldn't do anything and Michigan football was good.
Trisha
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 1:37 p.m.
Again, though, Dantonio's not one to care. He said earlier this week he was not insulted by the perception of his program. "Not at all," he said. "I'm proud of how our team plays. We're just playing the game hard. The lack of composure is frustrating, but we're not coaching that." I guess coaching GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP is not on the menu for some teams anymore. Gholston was bested on the play by Lewan, and he simply became angry about it. To say that Lewan provoked him is a bunch of crap, an excuse to lose his temper. Maybe the B1G should make him take anger management as well!! As a woman, who weighs about 105, and is 5'2" tall, I coached boys soccer for 10 years. Those boys were bigger than me. When they lost their "composure" during an intense game, I pulled them and sat them out the rest of the game, and then made them go apologize to the player on the opposing team after. I love the toughness of football; this hard-hitting, smash-mouth game. It is an exciting game that I love to watch. What I don't like is seeing players intentionally trying to hurt other players. That should NEVER be tolerated. He should have been ejected from the game as soon as he threw that punch. GO BLUE!
JimB
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 2:10 a.m.
Boy oh Boy...please stop crying and pointing fingers...it's getting pathetic to see a fan base who lost a game try and cling to something that is just not there. UofM lost. end it and move on to next year.
A2D2
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 12:34 a.m.
Dantoinio is a thug Gholston is a thug Every MSU fan I've ever met is a thug-wannabe But, just so your know that I'm not painting with a broad brush, Cousins seems to be a pretty level headed guy. No wait, he plays QB for MSY .......... So he must be the thug-leader-guy. I'm just saying......
unclefred
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 8:04 p.m.
I was born in Michigan. For a long time work has required me to live outside the state but in my heart I will always be a Michigander. I am a MIchigan grad. Other than the Michigan / MSU game I have always cheered for MSU to win against other schools. That Saturday back when Bubba Smith played and you guys clobbered Notre Dame is still one of my best football memories. Yeah Michigan is my team, but I always felt good when you beat some out of state school and made the state proud. We (Michigan) deserved to be beaten last Saturday. You were the more effective team. You out played and out coached us. We did not lose a game we should have won, you beat us on both sides of the ball. Period. Did I hate losing, you bet, but as I said we deserved the loss. What I say next is NOT about losing a football game. I realize that I am in many ways speaking to a wall here, but your refusal to recognize the thuggery encouraged in your program squanders the pride that many, perhaps the majority, of your fans take in your program. The vast majority of people who saw the attempt by Gholston to cause a neck injury to a helpless player were offended. They found your program's refusal to discipline him disgusting. My brother who was an all-state football player in high school, is a proud MSU grad. He played defense because "he loved to hit". He used to educate me about the fine art of "putting shots on someone". Even in his eyes, the helmet twist was indefensible. Saturday's game made two things very clear. First, this year, you remain the dominant college football team in the state. Second your program is bereft of sportsmanship and is unworthy of respect as a sports organization. Never before, even when your victory over another out of state Big Ten team would cost UM the championship, have I rooted against you. That has changed, for me and a lot of people. Face it or not until you clean up your program, you may be winners, but you won't be champions, and that is
TIC
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 6:12 p.m.
While we didn't lose because of Gholston's antics, they were condoned by the coaching staff. Should have at least sat him out a series or two to cool him off. I wonder how parents of potential recruits will feel about sending their kids there.
Robert D. Mosley
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 4 p.m.
To hear some MSU fans and some radio personalities try and justify the behavior of not only Gohlston but the team and Dantonio is really disgusting! When Mouton punched someone, the fans of U of M said Mouton must be disciplined; but not Sparty, who on one radio show I listened to tried to say that the punch was justified by Lewan. There were intimations that Lewan said something really bad to Gohlston and the only thing that I felt could have somewhat "justified" that would have been a racial epithet. Being myself an African American, I waited for the radio personality to be more specific but he did not. Besides, Gohlston tried to twist the head off of Denard who is black so it would not work. I don't think there is a bottom to how low Dantonio will go. After the events a few years back when the football player seriously injured the hockey player at MSU and he was allowed to come right back on the team, it was obvious to me that Dantonio is a dirty coach and cares nothing about the character of his team. And in the Rucker case, he just straight up goes from the jailhouse to the team. In years past, we would have a team strong enough to withstand the thuggery and beat MSU and hearing our coaches are on the road recruiting, hopefully we will rebuid quickly to deal with the thugs down the road dressed appropriately like mercenaries.
deb
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 9:19 p.m.
btw, you are using a post as your source. Post's are not good sources
deb
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 9:18 p.m.
You realize the same thing. a football player beat up a hockey player on U of M's campus that same year. I believe Kampfer or Kamper was the hockey players name. And neither school let those football players back on the team immediately. I actually believe the U of M player ended up in jail Glass house?
Bludogg97
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 8:03 p.m.
Robert you wrote : After the events a few years back when the football player seriously injured the hockey player at MSU and he was allowed to come right back on the team. your right,and did you know that was a sucker punch in the head,at night,and that hockey player,no longer can play hockey,because he suffers from neological problems still today.. and if your reading this Deb, this is what we mean by thuggery with Dantonio and msu looking the other way !! put your seat belt on ,so you don't fall off the band wagon!!
heartbreakM
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 7:07 p.m.
And in comparison: Look at the way Hoke handled Stonum (as opposed to Dantonio's handling of Rucker). Stonum was a second offender for DUI and barely in jail, yet he was suspended for the year. The two situations are not quite the same, yet speak volumes over the character Hoke demands vs. Dantonio.
Lorain Steelmen
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 2:45 p.m.
Duck. I congratualte you on msu's win over osu. You were able to beat a team with no quarterback. Just barely. Watching the last 10 minutes of that game, I was not impressed with either team. We'll see if osu beats UM this year. I doubt it. But no answer from you, on any of my 8 comments. Not surprising.
Howard the Duck
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:36 p.m.
This entire thread was highly entertaining. "Wah...those mean Spartans took my lunch money!" Man up and beat them and stop this girlish whining.
John Bretzloff
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 11:58 p.m.
You and the rest of the Sparty clowns are what's truly entertaining.....each and every post is such vailed cry for respect with all of their chest thumping and defending of the thugs you call your "student athletes". I laughed out loud when reading Gholston's "statement". Pleeeease! Does anyone really think this kid speaks like this, knows the meaning of the words or could even spell them?? Some P.R. person put it together and said "Here, this your statement". Not Coach D nor Hollis had the guts or class to recognize unsportsmanlike play with some sort of punishment. Sparty won the game and played better hands down. But as hard as they try to get the respect Michigan has for decades, they shoot themselves in the foot in the national public's eye by playing like thugs!! A real missed opportunity to advance their case as a premiere football program......almost made everyone forget about getting their hat handed to them in the bowl game on Jan. 1 while still whining and moaning about not going to Pasadena. Poor Sparty.....you're still a joke.
Howard the Duck
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:30 p.m.
"UM is still 67-32-5 vs our 'little brothers'. While this game is YOUR entire season, UM's big rival is STILL, 'ohio'." And you can't beat them either!
Peaches
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 2:11 p.m.
MSU already beat OSU. And MSU beat UM. It's a good year.
Lorain Steelmen
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:26 p.m.
To all the Sparties out there. Several thoughts / questions may be worth noting. 1. Why suspend a kid for a punch, when nothing is done about grabbimg a face mask, and trying to snap a kids neck? Doesn't make a lot of sense to me, since th eDRob mugging was the more aggregious. Answer, Gohlstin should be out for the next TWO games, one for each offense. 2. MSU had an extra week to prepare for the game, and that was the best you could do? 3. While a 5th year senior, Cousan's performance wasn't any better than DRob's, yet Cousans had a lot more time to throw his incompletions. DRob will get better, Cousan's won't. 4. Three of the last four wins, by msu in this series, came against Rodriguez. (While Rodriguez was being undermined by a large segment of the UM family, including Carr). If that is worth bragging about, in your opinion, then you still have a long way to go. 5. UM will get better, under Hoke, and very quickly. But Dantonio's legacy , and now msu's legcy, is the national film, of Gohlstin's cheap shop grabbing DRob's face mask at the bottom of the pile. That image will NOT change for as long as Dantonio is your coach. Dirty, undisapplinded cheap shot, football. 6. There is a big difference between being tough, and contolling a football game. What msu showed on saturday. eg, punches after the play, don't gain yards. Grabbing a face mask and snapping necks under the pile don't gain yards. 7. The only recruits that would be impressed with the msu game saturday, will be the future thugs. 8. UM is still 67-32-5 vs our 'little brothers'. While this game is YOUR entire season, UM's big rival is STILL, 'ohio'.
deb
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 6:28 p.m.
I second you right mind. I saw this too. Very Hypocritical
rightmind250
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 4:42 p.m.
I like this kid! I wish we had 11 more like him! (Particularly on defense.) I agree with michboy40, he will be a 'challenge' for the oline coach, but in a way, his attitude, and personality, may well boost this team, on BOTH sides of the ball. Go Blue! This is your quote, Steelman. It was taken from the article where Lewan calls himself the "cheap shot". You, Steelman are a hypocrite. Much like the rest of the fan base on here. As long as your boy is doing the punching, you get so excited you want to wet yourself.
azwolverine
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:39 p.m.
Great points all, except for your reasoning/excuse for the previous coach's poor performance. Other than that, good post.
James
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:26 p.m.
"I am looking for players to recruit, I am looking for three qualities: Intelligence, Integrity, and energy. And if they don't have the first one, the other two will kill the progarm. What is left when honor is lost afer a win? SPARTY THE MAN IN A SKIRT!! Blueee! forever
I love Michigan Football
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 11:13 a.m.
Here is my only comment to the Michigan State fans that come in here.... 67–32–5. Stay classy little brother.
Smart Logic
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 10:43 a.m.
Gholston was a poor sport and it seems there are plenty of people still smarting over the UM loss to MSU.
MRunner73
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 11:16 a.m.
The only good that has come of this is that the Michigan football players as athletes will not forget how they got beaten in many facets in the game and the personal foul penalties committed against them. They will be seeking redemption and some revenge. To us fans, the rivarly will be amped up more. This will be good for the state. This may come as a shock to you but I hope the Spartan football program remains as a top tier Big 10 power so that this rivalry can remain relevent and important to the State of Michigan. It is likely to generate even more national attention next year. I still hope Sparty gets spanked by Wisc and NE.
Rufus
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 7:56 a.m.
Then you would throw Mouton off the team as well; destroy his career for one punch in a football game where the other guy has pads and a helmet and can't possibly get hurt? It was stupid and only hurt his own team. A one game suspension is enough. Michigan fans need to stop whining. Go Blue!
Sparty
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 3:21 a.m.
As a Spartan, I was sickened by Gholstons behavior and that MSU apparently allows it. I'm surprised Mouton wasn't hurt more seriously. The one game suspension is a slap on the wrist - he should be suspended for the season. It's a poor reflection on MSU. No more green and white gear for me on game days this season, in protest. I think UM is lucky to have a classy coach and wish MSU could also say the same.
Matt Patercsak
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 2:44 a.m.
We played like cupcakes, and were treated as such. get under center. use a big fullback. hand off to Thomas Rawls.
Rufus
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 7:58 a.m.
Good points. Rawls might help. A big strong guy who can get a few yards when the OL isn't doing much.
Terry Star21
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 2:56 a.m.
Their still playing RR ball on offense.....we keep seeing this movie over and over...............
cutty240
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 2:11 a.m.
I don't condone throwing punches.But Your Boy from Michigan did something to him,but the 2nd guy always get caught.Thats the Biggest reason you got Beat.THEY OUT TUFFED YOU , like it or not.Michigan St is Terrible too.They tryed to Give you the Game,and you wouldn't take it.Don't blame anybody but yourselves.The Badgers will wear them out Sat.Night.
klondike
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:26 a.m.
You guys do realize that all this whining about ethics does not change the fact that your team was made to look like a bunch of weak-sauce high schoolers, right? Just making sure you didn't forget that. Or the last 3 years. If you have to hang your hat on the John L/Bobby Williams years, that's just sad. The only thing that matters is right now. And our program is better than yours. Plain and simple. You can't handle the truth!!
Terry Star21
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:47 a.m.
Well klondike, my little brother at home beats me up once and a while too -then mouths off like a little kid....but 67 out of 99 times I smash him down and he can't get up, walk away victoriously and keep my mouth shut. I'm a winner, he a whinner - I feel your pain, keep telling us about it if it helps you feel better.
Tru2Blu76
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1 a.m.
As usual, the Spartan trolls are "slightly over confident" and "slightly WRONG" when it comes to comparing either academic or football records with Michigan. Mark Dantonio has been coaching MSU for 60 games now (he used the figure "50"in his last statement about the current team's reputation) but he's only got a 38-22 record: that's .655. Even with 4 consecutive wins against Michigan, he'd need another straight 20 or so (seasons & games) to get even in this series. Comparing: Lloyd Carr ended with a .753 avg., Gary Moeller before him had a .758 and Bo had a .796. It's been over 40 years since Michigan coach (other then RichRod who got fired) a worse record than Dantonio's. And even though Nick Saban brought them the first winning season in years: he left MSU abruptly in the middle of the night for a better job, probably because he couldn't stand the smell of their rotten program. Since Saban left, MSU has slumped and only Dantonio has made them look almost as good as Michigan always has been. All the Spartan fan/troll claims are baseless boasts: a 4-win streak sends them into a frenzy of "Look At Us" even though Michigan was the worst in its history for the first three. Looking over the time since MSU joined the Big Ten, you can easily see that, even when they had good seasons, they almost never sustained more than a two-year streak. One MSU alumnus challenged me on one of my YouTube posts and said that MSU is "equal to" Michigan academically. He spoke at the wrong time because Thomspon Reuters released its list of the top 400 universities in the world a few days earlier. Michigan ranks 18th in the world - Michigan State ranks 96th.
Bludogg97
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 12:27 p.m.
msu = mouse doctors
MRunner73
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 11:07 a.m.
To your point, academically, if one wanted to major in Atmospheric, Oceanic or Space Science, they could not be a Sparty if they wanted to. MSU does not offer this. Michigan is one of only a few Big 10 conference schools to offer this and dedicate an entire staff of Professors and researchers in which one could get a BS, MS and PhD degree. The old saying is number 2; MSU; will try harder, but the winning at all costs attitude their football program has will catch up to them. Go Blue!!
Tru2Blu76
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:31 a.m.
If I coulda, I woulda. ;-) Got to be accurate about this: the WHOLE POINT is that MSU people are the ones who're always arrogantly (and inaccurately) bragging. True story: in 90's my daughter got accepted by Michigan. Days later, she came in with tears in her eyes, she said she'd found out that two of her best friends had also applied but had been rejected. They - she said - "had to go to Michigan State instead." Tears were running down her cheeks. To her, it was almost like her friends were being sentenced to prison. That's why I use the line: "Michigan State Pris... I mean University sometimes.
D21
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:12 a.m.
Tru2Blu76, Do you mean State ranks 396th? :)
James
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 12:55 a.m.
The Lions are a Lion The Tigers are aTiger The Wolverines are a Wolverine The Piston are The Pistons The Wings are a Wing A SPARTY IS A MAN IN A SKIRT....
deb
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 12:18 a.m.
Heres a link, about the guy who got punched in the face, talking about how he's a cheap shot artist. <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/taylor-lewan-story/">http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/taylor-lewan-story/</a>
deb
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 7:50 p.m.
I would be surprised if another suspension came, because the big ten said the case was closed. As for the reasons you listed what are they in response to? Your program is no different. You recruit the same players and Hoke's and Brandon's reaction to a player punching another was no different. The reason that the Hoke doesn't say anything is that these plays happen all the time. Class is now over? Id be surprised if you ever attended school
Bludogg97
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 7:34 p.m.
no Deb.. Michigan has the largest Fan Base in North America ! and why ? because of its fairplay ,ethics, sportmanship,worldwide Brand ,instituition of higher learning and the winningest football program in NCAA history.. You can support your thugs,and don't be surprized if there is more suspendtions to #2 in green for the baltant facemask to D-Rob on the bottom of the pile.. class is now over..
deb
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 6:27 p.m.
No bludog, You don't get it. Your program is no different. Call the MSU program a bunch of thugs, cheaters and cheap shots, but look at your own program first. This is what happens in college football. This is why people hate Michigan fans.
Bludogg97
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 12:23 p.m.
Deb you just don't get it ! and your out of your league here.. do you have a dvr, have you watched these plays on replay? Its one thing to be a fan and support your team, but to support thuggery in the college football game with young student atheletes is absurd .. If your coach has the same game plan vs Wisc. Saturday,Coach Brett B. will counter act foul play,and one or more of your beloved sparty's will get injured,and maybe career ending! How will you feel then? now you will have one player suspended,and one injured.. lets see the facts here! not copy and paste every comment like you have done..
Terry Star21
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:51 a.m.
heartbreak, my little brother back home used to hit then run away with my football, hide and mouth off to his friends, but 67 times I have caught him, beat him down so bad I didn't hear from him for years....only complaints.
deb
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:21 a.m.
and thats two assumptions in your post
heartbreakM
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:02 a.m.
Nice article, Deb, about a time before Lewan was coached to watch himself on the field . Unlike you sparty apologists, Lewan and other Michigan players are actually coached about their conduct on and off the field.
bobbyhackett
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 11:53 p.m.
Dantonio follows in the footsteps of his buddy, Tressel. Cheating is not only condoned, it's encouraged. Punch guys... jerk their face masks, hey, "it's just the heat of the moment." Yeah, right. I don't think anyone was surprised that instead of benching this thug Dantonio chose to defend him. He and "the vest" are cut from the same cloth, and they both will do anything to win at all costs. I'm surprised Ohio State didn't hire this guy. His ethics are right down there in the gutter with Tressel....
BornInA2
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 11:38 p.m.
Any ongoing behavior is, by definition, acceptable. This is a team, in my opinion, playing and living like a bunch of back-alley thugs. And that would make the head coach culpable for the ongoing, peristent issues. What about the WWF-style body slam that resulted in Robinson leaving the game? Was this also one of the many, many 'one-time' events in the game?
Terry Star21
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 11:31 p.m.
Ok sparties listen up, it's not about winning/losing - it's about 'education'. The article Kyle wrote is about the violent, potential serious injury behavior that was shown and very obviously ignored by a coach whom said he watched the video and saw no wrong (seriously ?). It's about 'awareness' - that this behavior could have broken a neck in one instance, and the coach, supposedly the leader in eduction and athletics saw no wrong. I'ts about 'responsibility', and the fact some msu players celebrated gholston and high fived him, and the coach saw no wrong. It's about 'accountability' and the fact gholston would'n admit or apologize - only until he was suspended, and the coach supported and saw no wrong. But thank God it's about 'Right and Wrong' and the Big Ten officials did see wrong and corrected it. But isn't it the responsibility of the university to teach education, awareness, responsibility, accountability and right and wrong ? Why was it not until the Big Ten suspension that msu officials finally came out and apologized ? No, it's not about the winning/losing - if it was this article would be tilted; 'Michigan vs Michigan State, 99 years of football - Michigan 67...michigan state 32.
deb
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 : 4:46 p.m.
what did i miss out on? what info am I lacking?
Terry Star21
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:55 a.m.
Well deb, it's obvious that you talk first before getting all the information - that's why you miss out on things. Joker definition; a poor soul that loses 67 times out of 99, mouths off 32 times and hides the rest.
deb
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 12:01 a.m.
where is the apology from #7? He didn't get suspended so he didn't have to? Your a joker. The U of M program is no different from any other program in college football
towny
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 11:25 p.m.
Dantonio was taught by OSU tressell what do you expect.
Matt Patercsak
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:49 a.m.
a beat down of Michigan? I'm a Michigan fan, accepting the truth.
chas
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 11:19 p.m.
Fire Delaney. He has proven to be unconcerned with player safety and must go.
chas
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 11:18 p.m.
Pretty bad when the NFL shows more concern for player's safety than the Big 10 Conference. By completely ignoring the face mask twist incident you have shown a tremendous lack of concern for player safety and instead, have compromised your image forever. Conference officials must be called out on this. Delaney should be fired.
Ross
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 12:33 a.m.
You may be going a tad far here, but in general I agree. How can they all overlook him trying to break Denard's neck ?!? Such a serious and awful move.... all of ncaa, big ten, media should be focused on making sure stuff like this does not happen. What if he twists further or Denard reacts poorly and he hurts his spinal cord? What if after that play Denard can't move or get up? Then it would reasonable for us to focus on this and file criminal charges? But gee, lucky us, Denard os mostly ok... seemingly... so we sweep it under the rug. Pathetic.
chas
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 11:15 p.m.
Congratulations Big 10. You completely ignored without comment the felonious attack on Denard Robinson's neck. What does that say about this conference? Cowardly and dangerous.
81wolverine
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 11:14 p.m.
Hot off the press here. I have a video of Coach Dantonio instructing his recruiting coordinator on the type of players MSU is looking for: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLpmswBKVN4" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLpmswBKVN4</a>
Terry Star21
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 11:37 p.m.
Ok 81, that was pretty good.........
deb
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 11:05 p.m.
Kyle, Please look at the video of the U of M player I posted. Its the same thing. Also you should file this under opinion. Not analysis
deb
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 12:42 a.m.
they suspended him for the punch. I am basically making the don't throw stones when you live in a glass house argument. The punch wasn't heat of the moment? And I do not condone these actions, I am just asking the U of M fan to look at his own program before he starts calling other programs and people dirty and thugs.
Ross
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 12:31 a.m.
deb, your grasping at straws to find a video of a play that you believe to match the Gholsten level of nastiness is sad. Both of his major actions (the punch and the late hit / facemask RIP on denard) were not the heat of the moment. They were controllable situations in which he instead chose to act like a thug. Period.
Terry Star21
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 11:11 p.m.
Good job deb - try to look the other way, blame others - ah yes, 'The dantonio way' it's alive and well !
azwolverine
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 11 p.m.
Sparty can spin it any way they want, Gholston got suspended for dirty play. Period. Most importantly, though, is come Nov.26 when ohio comes to town, no Michigan fan on earth will care even one little bit about what happened in the Sparty game. Beating Sparty is nice and will happen again with regularity very soon, but Michigan v. Ohio is "The Game." Beyond that, everything else is secondary. Sorry Sparty...
Ricardo Queso
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 10:52 p.m.
Wah, wah, and wah.
craigjjs
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.
Such a witty rejoinder.
chas
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 10:43 p.m.
Gohlsten got off easy due to first time offense. Dantonio and company are on the watch list though and better be careful from here on out.
Terry Star21
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 11:08 p.m.
Chas, yes that's important....the fact that dantonio said he watched the video and saw nothing wrong, yet B10 officials saw violent behavior, enough to suspend won't sit well. B10 officials pride themselves on personal injury prevention over wins (here that msu) - look for dantonio to someday exit in disgrace, like his mentor tressel !
klondike
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 10:31 p.m.
Wow. A lot of whiners here. Feeling a little insecure these days, Wolverines? You got the suspension you've been crying for. Isn't that enough? I guess not, b/c it still doesn't change the fact that you lost. You got manhandled. The changing of the guard in the State of Michigan has already happened. And there ain't no going back to the John L./Bobby Williams years. 4-0..... and counting.
Terry Star21
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 11 p.m.
Wow, yet another sad post - not concerned about injuries (possible broken neck), dirty play, coach ignoring violent play, coach obviously supporting that play (so msu fans think it okay).....it's all about winning, right klondike ? Winning is that important huh ? Okay, how about Michigan's 'Winning' record of 67-32 against sparty...ya like that winning ?
MRunner73
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 10:41 p.m.
Check with us at the end of the regular season. Your team has offered our guys a lot of bulletin board material. No doubt the rivalry is trending up.
aareader
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 10:30 p.m.
The clock is ticking on Dantonio. Players tend to reflect the values of the coach, the coaching staff... and hopefully not MSU. The AD's tacit comments are not a good sign. The clock is ticking because Dantonio has shown a history of this type of behavior since he arrived at MSU. Players can do almost anything, steal, brawl, jail time, etc. ...and will always play. The clock is ticking because the alarm bell did ring for Tressel this year, a Dantonio hero, and it will soon ring for him. The clock is ticking.
AANative
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 10:08 p.m.
A player lost his composure and punched a guy in a football game, it happens and sometimes its caught. I was impressed that the Michigan players and coach chose not to attack the play or the program. I believe the big 10 did the right thing, I do not agree with bashing the entire MSU program over a players mistake, the Big 10 handled it as everyone involved knew they would. He'll miss arguably the bigest game of MSU's season. He's let his team down and is paying for it.
AceDeuce
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:53 p.m.
I could see Saban making the same decisions when he was at State, maybe even when he was at LSU, but now that he's at 'Bama I know he would never give guys like these more than one strike. And that's the perception that the rest of college football holds of MSU. We get it, win by any means necessary, but sooner or later the school is going to be severely damaged by the public eye. It's not just bad for the program, it's bad for the Big Ten.
Bludogg97
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 10:16 p.m.
one would say "an embrassment to the B1G"
heartbreakM
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:46 p.m.
Dantonio and now Hollis are embarrassments to all who value fair play and the rules. I personally don't care how nice Gholston is--he blatantly broke the rule to any sport by hitting Lewan regardless of reason. If you break certain rules, you get penalized. (MSU did that repeatedly with the tacit approval of their coach, defensive coordinator, and AD). If you HIT somebody, you get suspended. Simple rule. Regardless of cause. No coach should defend it. No AD should defend it. And Dantonio has a bad record such "blind support" of his players. Dantonio who I thought was a good coach, is apparently no more than a shill who will run over you with his truck if it helps him beat Michigan. Pathetic.
rightmind250
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 4:25 p.m.
heartbreak, The UM fan base is the embarassment. You look around the B10, nobody is embarassed by MSU. I kind of like the way they play. The rest of the B10 looks at UM like they are a bunch of sissies. If MSU was intimidated by UM do you think they would have spiked Denard in the turf? No, they did it because UM allowed it. I hope Purdue does the same thing.
craigjjs
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 2:59 p.m.
Deb - The queen of whataboutary.
deb
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:09 a.m.
I do gholston was suspended for a punch. (they even cited which rule it was) #7 clearly punches the ND player in the face? whats the difference?
Ross
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 12:28 a.m.
Deb, the clip you posted was not the same level of transgression. I don't think we have to get into explanations here. Both sides were chippy and pushing around after the whistle, of course. But deliberate punches, late hits and neck twists are a whole different level of action. You know this is true.
deb
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 12:03 a.m.
what about the non response by U of M's coaches and Ad in the incident on youtube I posted? The U of M program is no different from any other program in college footbal
D21
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 10:03 p.m.
+1
heartbreakM
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:52 p.m.
One more comment: Despite what MSU people are saying about whining and so on--Dantonio and his AD's response (and the players' behavior, not just Gholston but the entire defense) demonstrate an utter disrespect for the game. I am sad we lost, yes, and I don't blame the dirty play on that. I am upset about the dirty play because it is not what kind of football I want. It is disrespectful and out of bounds.
Matt Patercsak
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:44 p.m.
I don't understand why this is such a big deal to Michigan and MSU fans. None of Gholston's fouls had any impact on the outcome of the game. hey Michigan fans get over it, stop whining, we got beat. hey MSU fans, don't you have a top 10 opponent to play on Saturday? why don't you leave the microcosm of the MSU UofM rivalry and worry about beating a team that isn't in the process of rebuilding. Michigan fans "ohhh my goodness, what a thug, he should be in jail" MSU fans "hey look at this youtube video from week 2, #7!, you guys did it too, see?!" Good God, what a bunch of morally insecure people. MSU congrats! youre better than Michigan! (right now). will you go away please?
BornInA2
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 2:50 a.m.
There were so many personal fouls called on MSU that I lost track of which offender committed which one. My bad.
Matt Patercsak
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:47 a.m.
PSS: that late hit was on Marcus Rush. glad to know you were watching closely. 300+lb black dude in worthy. 240lb white guy in Rush.
Matt Patercsak
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:34 a.m.
Sad post? Lewan is fine. he wears a full cage facemask. Denard is also fine. the late hit by Marcus Rush was rough. the turning of the facemask was inexcusable, but I refuse to align myself with a sect of people that can't let the rough play of this game go. No one got hurt (boo boo's aside). and Ghoulston is suspended. what more do you want? if you want more reaction to rough play maybe you should watch soccer on Saturdays... Coach Hoke has chosen to move on. I'm following suit. Its clear we have enough problems to deal with internally. i think the thesis statement of the game is that we played like a bunch of cupcakes and were treated as such. THAT is the issue we need to worry about. not how 6'8 308 Taylor Lewan's Jaw feels. If it was MSU getting plowed into the dirt all day i dont see these fouls happening. and in reference to "the outcome of the game" quite frankly i think its better when denard isnt in at QB... though not much better.
BornInA2
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 11:41 p.m.
The last late hit on Denard, by Worthy I believe, took him out of the game. Are you suggesting this had no impact on the remainder of the game? And like the others said, it's not primarily about the final score, it's about protecting teenagers from life-altering injuries resulting from violent behavior outside the rules.
Terry Star21
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 10:48 p.m.
I agree with chas, very sad post....the Michigan Faithful agree, msu won and was the better team on that day...but this is about the 'AWARENESS' of violent behavior that could have injured or paralized a player(s) - please don't make this about whinning or winning !
chas
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 10:39 p.m.
"none of Gohlston's fouls had any impact on the outcome of the game"...you just don't get it do you? This is not about winning or losing...this is about life safety and sportsmanship something apparently MSU has decided to discard in favor of anything goes when it comes to winning. Shameful post.
JustMyOpinion
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 10:13 p.m.
He could have broken the kids neck, actually, either kids necks. If it were my kid, I'd be pressing charges. Its a GAME, it's not a free for all without rules. No whining about getting beat, that was a solid win, but no one signs up for assault or a broken neck.
D21
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:43 p.m.
What the Big Ten should have done is to suspend Gholston from next year 's game between MSU-UM considering he is a sophomore.
David Briegel
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 11:07 p.m.
Or the next two!! No justice!
DonAZ
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:41 p.m.
The helmet twist was more flagrant. But by focusing on the obvious punch MSU and the Big 10 get to put this behind themselves for very little cost. You see, a punch after the play can be written off as momentary loss of control ... standard rough boy swinging of fists. But a late pile on with a delayed reach down, grab the face mask and rip to one side is ... near criminal. They didn't want to have to deal with that. So it's easier to sweep this under the rug at Gholston's "expense" -- one game out. Profiles in Courage this is NOT.
DonAZ
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:35 a.m.
But the Big 10 won't do a thing about the neck twist now -- they have the one game suspension. They're response now -- "Case closed." Like I said -- the easy out. No real controversy on the punch. But had they dealt with the neck twist it would have been more contentious. A one game suspension is clearly inadequate. They didn't want to deal with it. They punted.
DonAZ
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:34 a.m.
@Terry -- I have no disagreement with what you're saying. I'm simply saying they took the easy out on this one. A comprehensive review of that neck twist shows a delay on Gholston's part after piling on ... then the twist. It was *not* accidental. It was deliberate and intented to hurt or injure. The one game suspension for the punch is fair justice. Good for the Big 10. The neck twist should get him suspended for the season at least.
Terry Star21
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 10:07 p.m.
@ Don...you know I've read a lot about sparty claiming he was provoked...what ! Allthough I or the refs don't support trash talk, it's common and it happens. I was coached and parented well, and if a player can't walk away from trash talk or control violent emotions (hitting), that player should not be playing....plain and simple.
chas
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:39 p.m.
Of course Dantonio would not suspend Gohlsten. His player knows that he has been coached to use unnecessary roughness as a playing norm. Why would Dantonio discipline a player for carrying out his defensive coordinator's coaching? Just hope Gohlsten turns it around and develops some impulse control. Punches are one thing but a deliberate attempt to snap the neck of a defenseless player starts to put you in Tyson land. Last thing we need to see is somebody's ear bitten off.
D21
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:36 p.m.
Little brothers, welcome to this forum where you can zip up and listen to pearls of wisdom from real Michigan men and women. TiM
Peaches
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 2:03 p.m.
LIttle brother won. Again.
Terry Star21
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:32 p.m.
We shouldn't be surprised here by the obvious defending comments of msu by the sparty fans. Trying to blame other instances of player violence (even on UM), total distraction of the facts and even going as far as blaming 'not winning' for a claim of violent behavior of some msu athletes. It appears coach mark tressel, whoops I mean mark dantonio is building a good cult following, most noted by their fans comments here...look the other way, lie about violent behavior, and remind people they won the game - 'winning, that's all that counts' ! A sad state of ethics from a university prided on teaching the young.
D21
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 10:20 p.m.
The ironic thing is there is a Mark Tressel (nephew of Honest Jim Tressel) on Danner's staff.
Bludogg97
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 10:12 p.m.
Mark Tressel.. Big smile .. fun stuff..
umgoblue47
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:19 p.m.
remember DANDY DAN. . .tonio had the best mentor in college football. . . JT!! also wiskey has to bring there own woodshed to the game saturday as sparty seems to have missed placed there's. . . GO BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
treetowncartel
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:17 p.m.
Real men play Rugby
rightmind250
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 4:17 p.m.
Real men aren't UM fans, there sisters are.
Cosenzo
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:17 p.m.
Frankly, I think the twisting of DR's neck was an assault far more serious than the punch. I'm surprised there wasn't more of an uproar over it. I've been so mad all week, and still am, and my anger is toward the Wolverine players. I didn't see any of them come to DR's defense. They let MSU toss him around like a rag doll all day. I know its not good sportsmanship, but if any of them had the fire in them to be a champion, to be a Wolverine, we should have had a player suspended for a game because of retaliation. I'm sorry but our team looked like a bunch of wusses out there. I hope next year during the week leading up to the MSU game, the team will have to watch film over and over again of MSU beating up on us, twisting our QB's neck, getting punched in the face like a 98 lb weakling. I'm 50 years old, and wish I could suit up next year and end MSUs dominance over us. We lived up to the tattoo of a Spartan crushing a wimpy Wolverine. I'm embarrased, and hope the returning players next year are too. Get some fire in you Wolverines, and don't ever let any team stomp on you like that again! Not ever!! Go Blue!
BestOfTheMidWest
Thu, Oct 27, 2011 : 11:19 p.m.
But before the Gholston punch, Gholstons face mask was held and his head was being pushed into the ground. That is why he retaliated. I wish the UM players would just man up and win the battle at the line, and not resort to that kind of behavior, which will cost us in the long run. The 'dirty team' moniker will get quickly passed along.
Ross
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 12:24 a.m.
Yeah I don't get it. Maybe none of them saw that happen? Watching the game in real-time on TV, and it didn't seem quite so serious until the replay where it became alarmingly apparent what Gholston just did.
D21
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:41 p.m.
Yep, those linemen seem to be a bit afraid as they should have done more to protect Denard.
BestOfTheMidWest
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9 p.m.
We need to be careful here...there are dozens of posts about how Gholstons hand probably hurt more from hitting Lewan's helmet. When did that change? In the photo you can't see the side of Lewan's helmet because of gholstons hand on the side of the helmet. Adding the words "in the throat" to this headline sounds like my elementary schools kids saying "He hit me........really hard" and makes it sound a bit over-the-top, not to mention innaccurate, to drum up sympathy. I saw replays on BTN yesterday leading up to the 'slap' that Lewan was indeed pulling Ghoston's facemask down. Better to leave this alone.....Lewan will end up suspended too.
BestOfTheMidWest
Thu, Oct 27, 2011 : 11:15 p.m.
And now the Lewan side of the story is starting to appear, his 25+ face mask holds in the game, and additional reports from Indiana about Lewan grabbing the Defensive players groin and also stepping on players. The knee-jerk peanut gallery with the Maize-tinted glasses are crawling back underground.
Ross
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 12:22 a.m.
Well yeah dude, he did twist it super duper hard. You can tell because Denard's neck rotates viciously, well over a 90 degree turn. If he did that to me while I was trapped under a pile-up, I might have died. No joke. Good thing Denard is physically built for this kind of senseless abuse.
BestOfTheMidWest
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 11:56 p.m.
Don't get me wrong, I am separating the two incidents. The face-mask twisting is the flagrant one that should be the one resutling in suspension. Period. I am just seeing what is bordering on embarrassing response by the Wolverine fiathful, God bless you, where all of a sudden MSU is the dirtiest program in the country and UofM is squeaky-clean. I was hoping the level-headed would prevail and let the videos do the talking and the rest of the country see what happened and make a judgement, without a peanut-gallery piling on. The added comments like "punch in the throat", and the Opinion article that said something to the effect "he twisted the helmet as hard as he could" do the opposite of what they intend. My SEC coworkers laughed and said "Did he twist it Super-duper hard?".
D21
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:38 p.m.
Worstofthemidwest, welcome to this forum for a soon to be very successful cult deprogramming. TiM
Terry Star21
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:37 p.m.
I'm sure BestoftheMidwest had a better view, better knowlege of the sport, and better of his buddies officials watching the video then the Big Ten Officials....yeah right.
Bludogg97
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:25 p.m.
and the quick jerking motion twisting D-Rob's facemask ,head,and spiral cord 180 degrees off center by #2 in green would be something we should be careful with too ? he had 3 flags for un-sportsmen like penelities.. and those are the ones the officals noticed.. it shows a pattern, but then again I'm not an expert !!
macjont
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:12 p.m.
Then what do we do? Add a second game to Gholston's suspension for the facemask? Furthermore, not clear that the clip shows Lewan pulling on the facemask. No doubt re Gholston's move on Denard, however --- and while Denard was helpless, being held down by two of Gholston's teammates. Don't think this one should be "left alone."
MRunner73
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:54 p.m.
Justice has been served. Sparty fans can thump their chests if they want about their victory. The fact is, they made their bed and now they have to lie in it. Their new reputation of "agressive play" will follow them the rest of the season and into next as well. Gotta love it when Gholston, Mark Dantonio and AD Hollis are backtracking in their statements regarding this matter. Dantonio's statement is the most lame of all by saying how Gholston "is an extremely caring young person". Maybe he rescues stay animals in his spare time. Go Red, beat Sparty!!
macjont
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:54 p.m.
a cruel or vicious ruffian --- the definition of a thug.
timjbd
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:51 p.m.
Ahem..: "Dantonio's refusal, then, to not suspend Gholston is unsurprising..."
deb
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:02 a.m.
My post never blamed anyone else. It points out the fact that U of M had the same reaction to a punch thrown by one of its players. Even more predictable that michigan slappy's would never see anything wrong with the actions of there own players. or program . . . .
Terry Star21
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:39 p.m.
So predictable how sparty fans then, try to look the other way and blame everyone else for their teams 'dirty play- - so sad.
deb
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:54 p.m.
same as Hoke's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WusRyKD9SUg" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WusRyKD9SUg</a>
angus podgorny
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:49 p.m.
Another "tragic hero"?
Bludogg97
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:54 p.m.
too funny !!
Sarcastic1
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:44 p.m.
I thought the twisting of Robinson's helmet after the play was over was more serious than the punch.
Ross
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 12:19 a.m.
I agree completely. Players throw punches after the whistle all the time, and almost always there is no effect upon the punchee. They are wearing helmets after all, and have spent the entire game crashing their heads together. One more little punch doesn't even matter. But intentionally twisting the neck of a much smaller player trapped under a pile? Pretty sure that is attempted murder.
Terry Star21
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:41 p.m.
So predictable then, how the sparty fans try to look the other way, blame others for their teams dirty play and even joke about a players neck being nearly broken - sad people.
SalineBob
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:05 p.m.
I did too. Although Denard's got so much hair in there maybe the helmet turned and his head stayed put. Just kidding.
Goofus
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:43 p.m.
This just in! With William Gholston's 1 game suspension, spacewizards ride unicorns back in time and give all the TDs he scored to UM's team ...which were none, so they still lose last Saturday 28-14. But how about those Wolverines of Madison Wisconsin, huh? I hear they got a big game against State this weekend.
Goofus
Sun, Oct 23, 2011 : 4:57 a.m.
Oh snap! Look at that. State wins. Thanks for the moral support, guys.
D21
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:08 a.m.
Goofus, we believe your real name is Doofus with Goofus as your middle name whilst your last name is Zoofus, correct?
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 10:36 p.m.
Enjoy the smackdown on Sat. It will get ugly.
treetowncartel
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:24 p.m.
Don't they educate their players up there on the use of the plural? it was moments, not moment.
UMSU3506
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:22 p.m.
whine whine whine.....all UM does when they lose is whine. give it up, you lost.
Macabre Sunset
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:22 p.m.
I agree with him about the Lewan penalty. He lost his cool and retaliated inappropriately. That happens. But the helmet-twist on Robinson was dirty play. Until Dantonio does something about that, MSU will be known as a dirty team.
azwolverine
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:33 p.m.
Hey Goofus, losing one of your best players due to suspension for playing dirty won't help you win...especially against the best team in the league. How's that for advice?
Macabre Sunset
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:24 p.m.
Aggressive, tough football can be taught without dirty, undisciplined play. A better opponent would have won because of all those penalties. Surely you learned that lesson watching Michigan hand little brother a beating over and over during the Schembechler-Moeller-Carr era. Michigan teams were tough in the trenches, but had discipline. Hopefully Hoke can get that type of athlete back into the program.
Goofus
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:44 p.m.
I'd rather just keep winning, thanks for the advice anyway.
tim
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:17 p.m.
I think Dantonio is either coaching this stuff or allowing it to go on. He's always seemed like an angry person to me-- not just a competitor but an angry person.
heartbreakM
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:38 p.m.
You can add pathetic to your list. At least his idol Tress seemed like an uber-dweeb and nice guy (until his lying tendencies became public)
SalineBob
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:09 p.m.
Yup--me too. I can spot the difference between a competitor and angry person on tv all the time.
deb
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:05 p.m.
How about this punch that was never flagged or reviewed. Is Michigan Dirty? Does Hoke have no class for not suspending him? <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WusRyKD9SUg" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WusRyKD9SUg</a>
unclefred
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 6:29 p.m.
The Michigan player should have been suspended for the punch. Do you really doubt that he would have been had a flag been thrown? The face mask in the second clip was a deliberate face mask deserving of a penalty, which should have been called. Unlike the one on Robinson who was helplessly pinned under the pile up, the MSU player had his hands on the offending Michigan players arm and was able to mitigate the force on his head and neck, further play was not over. A penalty yes, but not a deliberate attempt to injure a helpless opponent after the play was long dead.
Peaches
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 2 p.m.
That's different. Cuz it's Michigan. They can do no wrong.
deb
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:06 a.m.
you said the player should have been suspended. Maybe they didn't because it happens all the time in football Don't throw stones when you live in a glass house. Your ad didn't make excuses because they didn't replay it 1000x, nor did your coach suspend him. The only think that makes the U of M punch different is the amount of attention it garnered. I am not speculating on what Hoke's response was. Maybe it was internal, but he did not suspend him a game, I don't have to speculate on that. So I can argue that by your ad and coach doing nothing about that punch is "tacit approval" of the action. The U of M fan needs to understand that your program is no different from anyone else
heartbreakM
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 12:53 a.m.
Deb: I don't think I will see eye to eye on you on this, but clearly we are talking about different things. I am looking at integrity of the game, and when your coach high-fives the offending players, when the AD makes excuses instead of talking about right and wrong, when your coach has yet to suspend any players for violating team rules even though it may cost him games, yes, it looks like 'tacit approval' for unsportsmanlike behavior. Look at Mattison's quote today about "right way to play" vs. Narduzzi's quote about "60 minutes of unsportsmanlike conduct"--should have gotten him suspended if B10 had any nerve. You can show as many examples as you want, but I can only respond to facts, and not speculate why or why not Hoke did whatever.
deb
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 11:02 p.m.
Your speculating on instruction. And as for approval, I am sure the Michigan coaches saw that punch in the film room. Obviously someone somewhere saw it. I am just trying to point out how common this is and that to not acknowledge this and say one program is incredibly dirty and the other is squeaky clean is ridiculous. Brady Hoke didn't make a big deal about it because its football, as he said that sort of stuff happens all game long. but to call one institution names and say they are terrible for not suspending a player is a joke. Compare apples to apples. The U of M player did the same thing this year. No suspensions from the coach or the big ten review. In fact not even a peep in the media. This was a sensationalized story, its football, but making such a big deal out of it is ridiculous. If you watch football these plays happen all game long and are flagged and sometimes not. I think you may go a little extra when you get 6 personal fouls in one game, but Im willing to bet you could probably find about 6 personal fouls on each team every game. People need to take their blinders off
AANative
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 10:16 p.m.
How about this one Roundtree face-mask; <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxG2pasxzUc&NR=1" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxG2pasxzUc&NR=1</a>
heartbreakM
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:37 p.m.
Well, yes Deb: THat player should have been suspended. But let's also not just talk about Gholston--let's talk about a multiple penalty filled game, one in which MSU players played hard, yes, but then continued to hit after the whistle playing dirty. Their actions were out of control--opposed to the rules of football before and after the half, and apparently as instructed. The coach and the AD approved such behavior, and refused not only to act on it, but to defend it. The Um player should also have been suspended based on the hit, but there was absolutely no tacit approval nor instruction to do so, and there were no repeated penalties through that game (nor any other game in my memory)
redceder1
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:26 p.m.
My oh my, #7 in blue must be a thug. Should have been taken away in handcuffs. It is a disgrace that Hoke teaches his players to hit in the face. Enjoy Gholston's suspension. Glad you all will have something to celbrate this year.
Goober
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:20 p.m.
It will be interesting to read comments to your posting on the Michigan player throwing a punch at a player of the opposing team. Unfortunately, emotions get the best of young talent. Football is a brutal game. I vote for a change to college chess matches.
Ron Granger
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:01 p.m.
Did Gholston do anything we didn't see on camera?
Bludogg97
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:12 p.m.
3 flags for flagerent/un-sportsmen like penelities.. thats all..
Ron Granger
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:01 p.m.
Any word on whether Tressel is still hanging around with Dantonio? Maybe Tressel could release a statement in support of Dantonio's ethics and leadership.
snoper
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:01 p.m.
35-21 26-20 34-17 28-14 Quit whining. Show a little dignity. Win a football game. Maybe then you'll be taken seriously
Marcus Ray was Right!
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 10:26 p.m.
Show dignity? MSU fans sound like girls with daddy issues. My daddy didn't love me enough, why doesn't anybody love me. Grow up. As for claiming U of M fans live in the past, the issue is we have a past and are creating a future. That cannot be said for MSU. When MSU can claim nearly 40 years of no lossing seasons, then they can talk. Right now you have a 1 year record. MSU had a losing season in 2009 (6 wins, 7 losses). So 39 more years to go. So your overall record against Michigan is 67 losses, 32 wins, and 5 ties. Not too good. As for other varsity athletics, MSU has a winning record against U of M in exactly 2 sports: woman's basketball and woman's volleyball. MSU doesn't even have a winnning records against U of M in their "elite" basketball program. And don't even get me started on where MSU stands relative to U of M from an academic perspective. So the big block S really stands for second to Michigan and from the academic perspective it stand for Safety School.
Terry Star21
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:45 p.m.
Thanks snoper, ignoring violent behavior all for winning - you are a true sparty, good job !
mlivesaline
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:26 p.m.
You seemed to have your stats selectively only go back 4 years. I can do that too. Wow a 6 year winning streak I see! M 49-3 M 27-20 M 45-37 M 34-31 M 31-13 M 28-24 MSU 35-21 MSU 26-20 MSU 34-17 MSU 28-14 Quit whining. Show a little dignity. Win a football game. Maybe then you'll be taken seriously
Bludogg97
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:34 p.m.
@ John you have a way with words.. Great post ! couldn't said it any better..
John
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:30 p.m.
Wow. Four wins in a row. State has done this 3 times in the history of the rivalry; Michigan has done it 15 times. It's not whining; it's commenting on thuggery by undisciplined players. Few would contest that State played a better game; that isn't the point at all. It's an intercollegiate amateur football game, supposedly premised on rules of behavior based in solid sportsmanship. Dantonio, who appears to want to be Buckeye-lite, may well end up in the same spot as his mentor if he continues to look the other way regarding the behavior, on and off the field, of his players.
UMSU3506
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:24 p.m.
UM fans always living in the past.
Macabre Sunset
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:20 p.m.
And 9-31-0 during the Schembechler-Moeller-Carr era. Little brother would have to win the next 18 years in a row to make up for that futility.
Bludogg97
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:05 p.m.
Hang on to those scores snoper, you can reminise when Brady & coaches finish up with recruiting and get the players that fit they're system,and then its back to little bro again..
Wolverine_in_MD
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 7:47 p.m.
Think MSU will use this an excuse when Wisky blows them away Saturday? Go Blue.
Terry Star21
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:48 p.m.
So predictable how the sparty fans here want to look the other way, blame others and support violent behavior - all for winning. It is true, dantonio has done a good job at msu !
SalineBob
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:01 p.m.
Why would you even care all the way from Maryland? Big brother sure does waste of lot of energy worrying and lecturing the Spartans on how things should be done. They'll get by okay with or without your deep sense of concern. Yup, I can see Dantonio getting up before the press after the game with Wisconsin and saying they lost because they didn't have Gholston. Right. FYI--the game starts at 8 so you'd better plan on staying up past your bedtime to watch for the possible blowout.
Goofus
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:38 p.m.
Living through a surrogate, Walmart? Wisky beat UM real bad last year...in your house too.
deb
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:05 p.m.
No I think MSU learned enough different excuses from Michigan fans after last weeks game
glimmertwin
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 7:46 p.m.
>> drawn criticism locally and nationally for their aggressive play. Aggressive? Criminal is more like it. I could care less who won... but I don't like seeing play like that from any player of any team. 1 game suspension is a gift... I would throw him out of the Big 10. It wasn't a "moment". He did stuff repeatedly. No place for that IMHO.
f4phantomII
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 2:52 p.m.
You mean you COULDN'T care less. Think about it.
Terry Star21
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:50 p.m.
sparty fans care though, read the comments here - looking the other way, blaming others - even blaming people noting dirty play that hey, 'we one the game' ! Very sad.
SalineBob
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:51 p.m.
If you threw out every college football player who ever threw a punch in a game the team rosters would be depleted. The NFL would hold additional tryouts in the middle of the season. Get real.
Goofus
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:38 p.m.
Sounds an awful lot like you did in fact care a whole lot who won the game.
David Briegel
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 7:45 p.m.
MSU and its AD, Dantonio and his assistants approved this behavior. They took no action. They have no institutional control over their Thugs! The spinning of Denards helmet by the facemask and the body slam is now condoned behavior. Congrats to MSU for upholding their "reputation"! It took the BIG 10 to take them to the woodshed. At least the BIG 10 is drawing a line and attempting some minimal standards. Only one game suspension is certainly "minimal"!
alarictoo
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 3:38 p.m.
@Sparty On! - As a long-term (35+ years) Michigan fan, I truly dislike losing to MSU. But, you are right. MSU deserved to win that game, and probably would have done so more handily without all of the penalties. Their penetration of the Michigan OL had Denard rattled all game. However, that does not excuse Gholston's behavior, or the tacit approval of it by MSU's athletic department. Quite frankly, I believe that the defensive line were told to go out there and "get" Denard, and some of them decided that meant "by any means necessary." Dantonio, and MSU's AD's, decision not to make a suspension of their own simply lends credence to the idea that they set out to injure opposing players, and Denard in particular. The idea of a one game suspension for a move that could have put another player in a wheelchair for life is laughable. The punch was egregious, but his most dangerous penalty was the neck twist on Denard Robinson.
Sparty On!
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 12:44 p.m.
Just face it...UM lacks talent and you're looking for an excuse to justify it. WE WON! And we would have won with or without the punch.
Terry Star21
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:53 p.m.
David, you are right...and if you read the comments of the sparty fans here, the fans are buying into his actions....blaming others, looking the other way - hey, 'we won' they say !
AAbob43
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:11 p.m.
And, really, that's not the worst thing in the world. After all, it was the Big Ten, not Michigan, that suspended Mouton. Substitute U of M for MSU, and Mouton for Gholston. Then have another glass of whine.
deb
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:27 p.m.
and you could say the same thing about this play <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WusRyKD9SUg" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WusRyKD9SUg</a>
GoBlue1984
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 7:42 p.m.
Michigan State had elected not to punish Gholston. Big shocker. They are one of the dirtiest programs around. Thank God the Big Ten stepped in. Grow up State... throwing punches and trying to seriously injure another teams star is not how you play football.
unclefred
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 6:17 p.m.
Um AAbob43? You might notice that the coaching staff that failed to suspend Mouton got fired. There were a lot of reasons for the firing, but this was one.
rightmind250
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 4:15 p.m.
Lewan opened his mouth and he got punched. I am sure its not the first time this has happened to baby huey. I don't see the big deal, but then again I do have a nice set on me, unlike most of the posters here. LOL
Terry Star21
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:56 p.m.
Very good GoBlue.....'the dirtiest programs around' is so true, in fact most sparty fans support their play and their coach looking the other way - what then does it make them ? Of course, they will say 'winners' - did you expect less ?
D21
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:34 p.m.
Gholston's punch was far more lethal than Mouton's light fist jab.
AAbob43
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:12 p.m.
And, really, that's not the worst thing in the world. After all, it was the Big Ten, not Michigan, that suspended Mouton. Substitute U of M for MSU, and Mouton for Gholston. Then have another glass of whine.
SalineBob
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 8:44 p.m.
So how many Michigan State football games have you watched in the past 5-10 years? Do you really watch enough college football games to determine who is dirty and who is not? Do you have a top 25 ranking? I've asked this question here twice and I'll ask it again. If you are a fan of the NFL are you upset by the physical play of Ndamokong Suh? Do you get upset and thank God when the NFL levies fines against him? Does this make the Detroit Lions a "dirty" team? Or is this different?