Lloyd Carr talks about Michigan recruiting, Ohio State scandal and more
Former Michigan football coach Lloyd Carr returned to Marquette for a charity golf event and Casey Ford with local radio station ESPN 970 spent some time catching up with the 1968 Northern Michigan graduate.
Some excerpts:
Former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, right, on the recent Ohio State scandal: "Obviously, for Jim (Tressel), it’s a tragedy the way this thing came down."
AnnArbor.com file photo
On Brady Hoke’s recruiting success: “The one thing that was not going to change at Michigan is we have a great tradition, and that’s something that appeals to a lot young people. Just as importantly, we have a great university. We can offer a guy a great experience in football and we can offer him a great education. As long as they play the game there, they’re going to have good teams. Once in a while we’re going to have a bad year, that’s just the nature of sports. It’s great to read that we’re off to such a great start.”
On the recent Ohio State scandal: “I don’t want to comment except that the rules are important. I believe in the rules and I think it’s an important part of the game, the history of the game and the value of the game. I think, obviously, for Jim (Tressel), it’s a tragedy the way this thing came down. I don’t know a lot of the things that went on, so I’m not going to talk about that. But it’s a very difficult thing for him, and that’s unfortunate.”
On not playing Wisconsin for five years: “You’re going to get and you’re going to have to give. I think Michigan-Ohio State, we all wanted to preserve that game at all costs. Of course, we’ve got Michigan State as well. There are other schools in the conference, so you can’t have everything you want. Nobody does. We’ll get to play them once in a while, and it’s been a great rivalry. Of course this divisional setup is going to change the Big Ten and I think it’s certainly going to make it much more difficult to win the Big Ten championship.”
Comments
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Aug 16, 2011 : 7:24 p.m.
One can hardly say enough about Lloyd Carr's integrity. Not so perfect in some other ways, but the value of the image and spirit he owns permeates Michigan Football and the whole university. Now, after 300 years (oh, I mean THREE years), we have another coach who seems made of the same kind of integrity.
goldenblue
Mon, Jul 4, 2011 : 4:39 a.m.
Ghost that would be o-lie-o state. Happy fourth to all and good night.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Jul 3, 2011 : 7:22 p.m.
Clearly tosu needs to look of the meaning of the word "denial". They're swimming in it in Columbus. Good Night and Good Luck
umgoblue47
Sun, Jul 3, 2011 : 6:15 p.m.
the osu! you got some splainin to do! oops SORRY the osu i used the latin ricky ricardo "it means explaining" something OSU is going to have to do a lot of to the NCAA! good luck with that! GO BLUE. . .
missionbrazil
Sun, Jul 3, 2011 : 4:39 p.m.
The OSU "Encouraging ethics on a squad used to be a lot easier." OSU, let's save the comments on ethics for the people who are actually ethical ... you and tOSU have lost that privilege of being considered ethical. Stick with things you are familiar with ... breaking rules, cheating, cover-ups,...
OldBittyBates
Sat, Jul 2, 2011 : 10:03 p.m.
On Michigan recruiting... Hoke and staff have done fabulous thus far, still there are big needs to be met. For my Christmas list I want HS players Keith Marshall, Dorial Green-Beckham, Devin Fuller, and Ondre Pipkins under the Maize and Blue holiday tree. Can you think of a few names to go along with those just mentioned? Regarding OSU... Coach Luke Fickell is real good at over looking the obvious. He chooses to wear rose colored glasses and avoids an honest response to the problems currently rocking Columbus and his University. As for Lloyd Carr - HE IS A SAINT.
The OSU
Sat, Jul 2, 2011 : 4:38 p.m.
81Wolverine: Interesting observation about Coach Carr privately "straightening out" a few wayward boys during his tenure. Well, partner, there's "a new sheriff in town" and its name is "Internet & Social Media." Coaches of the past (Woody, Bo, Bear, Carr et al) didn't have to contend with the fact the privacy no longer exists today. Any action taken by a coach, no matter how well-intended, will be announced on Twitter within minutes with photos on Facebook with an hour. Frankly, I don't know how Papa Joe has adapted at PSU. Encouraging ethics on a squad used to be a lot easier. Oops, SORRY, Michigan alums: I realize I used the Latin, "et al." It means, "and others." Just thought you would like to know.
Chad Williams
Mon, Jul 4, 2011 : 6:54 p.m.
Papa Joe earns his respect and doesnt brag about his tradition. UM brags of this tradition which really doesnt exist seeing how we only have one NC since 1948 and shared at that. Paterno stayed the same but realized himself the game is changing every 25 years. Michigan on the other hand well out side of Brandon still thinks its the 70's where winning a Big Ten Champ is the most meaningful thing ever.
Blu n Tpa
Sun, Jul 3, 2011 : 11:54 a.m.
Why you were in the dictionary did you look up lying, cheating, and stealing? Was JT, TP, all the players who sold team equipment have their pictures next to words? When you're already in a hole, stop digging. TiM. Go Blur!
RWBill
Sat, Jul 2, 2011 : 4:44 p.m.
how long did it take you to look up what "et al" means?
81wolverine
Sat, Jul 2, 2011 : 3:30 p.m.
Edit on my last comment. The winning tradition referred to was under the 3 coaches prior to Rodriguez.
81wolverine
Sat, Jul 2, 2011 : 3:27 p.m.
Carr said all the right things here. Not stupidly and blindly trying to defend a fellow coach who was in the wrong, but not inflaming the situation at the same time. I'll always believe that LC was about integrity which was evident in that we never had a scandal under his regime. Yes, there were occasionally players who ran afoul with the law, but they were dealt with firmly and quickly by Coach Carr. And there were a lot of players Carr straightened out in private that never made the news, blogs, or tailgate gossip. I expect the same from Coach Hoke. I see Michigan football returning very soon to the winning tradition we enjoyed under the last 3 coaches.
UKWolverine
Sat, Jul 2, 2011 : 2:40 p.m.
Lloyd Carr, class and integrity to the core, always great to hear from him.
WWBoDo
Sat, Jul 2, 2011 : 10:45 a.m.
Always "first class"! Fits well with Fritz, Bennie, Yost, Bo--clearly in that class. And, in the end, when you see a picture of Tressel and Lloyd, there is no question as to which one you want coaching your team. No question! Thanks, Lloyd!
Oscar Lavista
Fri, Jul 1, 2011 : 9:14 p.m.
I think Lloyd's still the biggest star in A2. The one who makes you go "whoa" when you see him out and about in town, which happens fairly often. Nothing but respect for the man; only increasing as Tressel is exposed.
heartbreakM
Fri, Jul 1, 2011 : 7:13 p.m.
Carr was very diplomatic in his comments. Of course, we could all laugh when he says"once in a while" we would have a losing season. I don't think he thought that would mean once in a while 3 years in a row LOL.