Michigan's apology a rarity in college sports these days
When the University of Michigan released its response to the NCAA’s inquiry of its football team in late May, athletic director Dave Brandon stood in the spotlight.
Asked who should be blamed for the major rules violations to Wolverines admitted to breaking, Brandon said, “I am. The reality is we had failures across the athletic department and I take full responsibility.”
His answer was both silly and sincere.
Dave Brandon held Michigan accountable for violating NCAA rules, unlike a few of his counterparts recently.
AnnArbor.com file photo
Silly, because if anyone at Michigan should be immune from responsibility, it’s Brandon. He was busy running Domino’s Pizza at the time the violations occurred.
Sincere, because despite the fact he wasn’t on the job, Brandon remains a loyal former Wolverines football player intent on cleaning up the mess.
“We have violated certain rules with the NCAA and we’re standing up and taking responsibility for them,” Brandon said, echoing the crux of his comments on that dark day for Michigan.
Whether he shrewdly calculated his comments to maximize Michigan’s contrition in the eyes of the NCAA, meant them sincerely or both, the important thing was that Brandon made them.
Michigan expressed shame. Michigan vowed to fix mistakes. Those sound like simple first steps in damage control, steps that would be obvious ones for anyone in a position like Brandon’s.
That’s apparently not the case.
There’s no other way to explain the reaction of USC athletic director Mike Garrett to sanctions handed down by the NCAA to the renegade Trojans athletic department this week.
After a four-year investigation, the NCAA banned USC from the next two college football postseasons, mandated the team vacate victories from the 2004 season and stripped 30 scholarships from the football team over three seasons because of major rules violations involving payments and gifts to athletes.
Far from contrite, Garrett told a group of Southern Cal alumni in San Francisco “as I read the decision by the NCAA … I read between the lines and there was nothing but a lot of envy. They wish they were all Trojans,” according to the Los Angeles Times.
He added: “Today I got a purpose for really wanting to dominate for another 10 years.”
To recap: Garrett’s department has been hit with the most serious sanctions since the NCAA killed the Southern Methodist football program 23 years ago, and his response is defiance.
Maybe Garrett - not inaccurately - concluded the NCAA might not be around long enough to reprimand him for his arrogance.
Whatever his thinking, if he didn’t get fired for presiding over a department that completely lost institutional control - scandals surrounding Reggie Bush and O.J. Mayo would make Ed Martin blush - he should lose his position for his outrageous reaction.
He’s not the only one.
Kansas athletic director Lew Perkins might have been next in line to lose his job had he not beat the NCAA to the punch and announced his resignation this week.
When hired, Perkins vowed to “put the swagger” back in Kansas athletics. Instead, he merely oversaw a department putting swag into boosters’ pockets.
Several weeks ago, the Jayhawks athletic department was netted in a multi-million dollar ticket-scalping scandal. Also in recent weeks, Perkins has said he was blackmailed by a former employee who threatened to expose his use of athletic equipment from a company that did business with the university.
With the demise of the Big 12 this week and the Kansas athletic department facing the very real possibility it will wind up in a lesser conference, there’s a tremendous thirst for leadership.
Perkins picked this week to cut and run, making his announcement Thursday. He’ll stay just long enough to collect a $600,000 bonus.
At a time when Garrett revels in the seedy side of college sports and Perkins smugly exits the stage instead of doing his job, at least their counterpart in Ann Arbor has struck the right chords.
Amid the first sanctions ever to be leveled against its storied football program, it's hard for Michigan to stand proud. But compared to others, Brandon is holding his program accountable for its actions, and that's a reason for the Wolverines to at least hold their heads a little higher.
Comments
Robbie Webb
Thu, Jun 17, 2010 : 10:22 a.m.
Rich Rod is not bad guy, everyone makes mistakes. Don't make it look like he's evil. Here's an example of my point. http://www.detnews.com/article/20100617/SPORTS0201/6170394/1004/sports/Rich-Rodriguez-comforts-grieving-family--gives-father--son-their-U-M-moment
Robbie Webb
Thu, Jun 17, 2010 : 10:16 a.m.
And 3 and Out, you told me above that the losses contribute to why you don't like Rich Rod.
truebluefan
Thu, Jun 17, 2010 : 12:16 a.m.
3-and-out So you want Michigan to win a bunch of games this year AND you want Rich Rod fired. There is not a chance that both will happen. That's what I mean when I said to get a dose of reality. I would have more respect if you just admitted that you want to see Michigan lose this year so Rich Rod gets fired.
3 And Out
Wed, Jun 16, 2010 : 11:35 p.m.
john-maize...i respect your post thank you for your opinion. trueblue...lol, ok and i read about your condition in psyche class too lol... "hypocritical"? hardly. Perhaps you should review the definition of that word. It is true that I want Michigan to win...it is also true that I dont want Rich Rod as the coach. So that is being hypocritical? hardly... what that is, is being realistic... Michigan doesnt need a renegade narcissist like Rich Rod to coach this team to victory... the fact that he has failed miserably on the field factors 0 in to my dislike of the man... i call it like it is pal, and after Rich Rod gets canned you will see his true "character" come out once again, via his crack legal staff when they file suite vs. UM. Go Blue!
truebluefan
Wed, Jun 16, 2010 : 11:27 a.m.
"Fans" like 3-and-out really need to get a dose of reality. IMO, they are much, much worse than MSU or OSU trolls. Talk about hypocritical!? In one post he wants Michigan to win a bunch of games this year. The implication here, of course, is RR keeps his job. Then in another post he cowers behind the anonymity of the message blog and spews the "OMG fire the sleazebag!" rhetoric. I learned about this condition in Abnormal Psych.
John-Maize Blueblood
Wed, Jun 16, 2010 : 1:05 a.m.
3 & Out, As I read your last post, it was easy for me to notice that all your rhetoric is only based on emotions, not necessarily FACTS as you put it. I could expound further on that statement, but it would probably take a few pages, which would not suit too well with a blog. I mainly noticed on your last post as you quite frequently do on your other posts, that you only referred to Rodriguez using epithets; that is obviously a sign of burning anger. I am not one of those fans pointing fingers at some media conspiracy. However, I do know from my experience, that you cannot rely 100% on media reports. I am not implying that their reports are always false; I am just making the point that one should use good judgment and thorough analysis before taking a media report as gospel. I would advise against ever taking a media report as gospel. Trust me! I was a Public Affairs Officer at one time during my military career and I had to deal extensively with the media. I know how they can manipulate the news to suit their own agenda. Whether you believe it or not, media outlets do have their own agenda. If you dont think so, why is it then that Fox News is so Right-leaning and CNN is so Left-leaning? You would think they should be neutral, right? Why is it then that the media tend to be more inclined to report news that they feel are relevant to them and not necessarily to inform the public; definitely not for the publics best interest? Just like any other business, things are mostly done a certain way to generate sales and maximize profit. If you think for one minute that certain reports on Michigan and Rodriguez were not based on media agenda (not necessarily a conspiracy), then you and I must be living in a different world. Now back to Rodriguez briefly! I am not defending Rodriguez because I am a blind-faith fan of his and certainly not because I think he is a Saint. My main argument is that we should not be judging the man not fully knowing all the FACTS and not really knowing him personally. I think in your case, 3 & Out, you think you know all the FACTS, including Rodriguez own character as a man, mostly relying on media reports. My other argument is that WE are so hypocritical about the whole thing. I guarantee you if Rodriguez had a winning record at Michigan, we probably would not be having this present discussion regarding his integrity and so on. Lets be honest! If Rodriguez is such a villain, then how come his dirts were never exposed at West Virginia? You know why? Its simple! He was winning games there. Tressel could be as crooked as a rattlesnake (Im not implying that he is), but he is winning at OSU; so who gives a foot? Pete Carroll may have been as shady as Slim Shady at USC, but his dirts were never exposed. I bet you if he was losing at USC, we would have learned about Reggie Bush receiving improper benefits since back in 2004 when the alleged incidents were occurring. I am not arguing that any of this is right or wrong, fair or unfair. I am advocating for us to really take a look in the mirror and see how hypocritical we can be as fans. I am advocating for us to dissociate FACTS from our emotions and give the guy the benefit of the doubt. Whether Rodriguez is a villain or a Hero, he is currently our coach. As such, he has my full support until he is no longer leading our team and/or until the TRUE FACTS (Not ASSUMPTIONS or ALLEGATIONS) come out incriminating him. I truly believe in the motto: ALL IN FOR MICHIGAN. The time the team really needs our support is NOW in their darkest hours.
truebluefan
Tue, Jun 15, 2010 : 11:43 a.m.
It will be truly amusing to watch the RR-hating Michigan "fans" modify their tone this season. It will be a function of wins and it will go something like this: 5 wins or less: "fire the sleazebag!" 6 wins: "fraud" 7 wins: "lucky" 8 wins: "sorry, I was wrong, please forgive me" 9 wins: "Lloyd who?" 10 wins: "10-year contract extension" 11 wins: "RR: will your son marry my daughter?" Remember, you sleep in the bed you make. Or, I guess you can always just change your screen name. LOL.
Robbie Webb
Tue, Jun 15, 2010 : 9:33 a.m.
3 and Out, I don't think it's right to say he coaches for himself. He's said that he takes his work home with him and that he and his family couldn't imagine living anywhere else. Everyone makes mistakes, and those who are at Michigan are no exception. I completely understand frustration for losing, but if we were undefeated, no one would care about this as much, if at all. Let the season play out, hope for the best. We're still Michigan and we have a great chance to succeed this season.
W
Tue, Jun 15, 2010 : 5:50 a.m.
Pete: You have fallen in the very trap for the unwary which has been laid by UM's lawyers/PR types: they want to hide Bill Martin's role. Brandon's silly statement that he is responsible is a preposterous lie, and he knows it. He also calculates that it might deflect any inquiry about Martin's role. (Martin has DISAPPEARED, he must've fallen through a hole in the stage.) Similarly, UM's written response is bizarre re: the absence of almost ANY information about Martin's actions/failures to acts, and of any recitation of Martin's evaluation as to whether each of these admitted violations together constitute "lack of institutional control." This is entirely Martin's mess: he brought in RR, and then failed to properly oversee/control football. It's "lack of institutional control", pure and simple.
trespass
Tue, Jun 15, 2010 : 4:37 a.m.
Why not try apoligizing to the Detroit Free Press reporters who were trashed by UM and its supporters. The turned out to be 100% right.
3 And Out
Tue, Jun 15, 2010 : 12:21 a.m.
John-Maize Blueblood... OK son, challenge my true statements about your savior Rich A. Rodriguez.... muddy the facts with your analogies which do not hold water. but...facts are FACTS...and despite your hiding your panties behind the conspiracy of "media bias"... FACTS show that EVERYThing that I stated about Rich A. Rodriguez are true. Draw your own conclusions from the facts...but to try and make the assumption that Madoff's victims are similar to Rich A. Rodriguez who GUARANTEED a defaulted loan with his signature and is not backing up the repayment of such (hence the FRAUD lawsuit)... is LAUGHABLE... BUT YOU SLAPPIES for Rich Rod will reach in to whatever bag of tricks you can to defend this sleezball. Fact is that Rich Rod is like Pig Pen of Charlie Brown fame... followed around with a cloud of DIRT... and most of that is his own doing..his associations with dirtballs that HE alone made the choices to associate with.. why? Because Richard A. Rodriguez does not coach for Michigan. He coaches for HIMSELF... and as long as that is true... his narcissism will lead to a) excuses b) lack of manning up to responsibility and c) murky business dealings while trying to find shortcuts to success... That guy has way to much baggage to succeed at The University of Michigan and after this upcoming 5-7 season, you will realize that too... all about winning? well that is on you fella...I call it like it is... scumbag RR. bye
leaguebus
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 4:16 p.m.
By the way, Brandon has done pretty well with Domino's. Fourth quarter of last year profit was $26M, up from only $11M the year before. Sales around $462 million for the quarter. Yeh, Domino's is ruined!!
Robbie Webb
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 12:47 p.m.
Although I agree I liked Ron English, so I would have liked to see him stay. But I like Greg Robinson as well. With more experience and depth, I expect a much better improvement.
Robbie Webb
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 12:41 p.m.
He never ran off anybody. Mallett talked about transfering before Rodriguez was even there. Boren just quit. Transfers happen all the time, and Michigan is no exception. As a matter of fact, Bo was known by his players as a ''Field general'' and they said the easist time to play for him was on Saturdays. And they said there were talented players that quit because of him. So so much for that argument.
BlueMom
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 12:24 p.m.
RichRod would not have been having all the losses if he spent more time trying to keep Carr's recruits for RR's 1st year. Most good managers know that you only "clean house" if the system is not working (ie - UM in 1968). RR could have built on Carr's success in the capital one bowl and tweaked the "spread" into something that could have dominated the Big 10 in year 1. RR should have kept Loeffler, English and Campbell on staff.....
Robbie Webb
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 11:05 a.m.
Murrow, you have to understand that coaching was NOT the issue. It was youth, no depth, key injuries, walkons at key spots, and very little veteran leadership. If you look at MSU, we lost in over time. Iowa it was TURNOVERS (Not Rich Rod's fault) we put up 28 and lost by 2 and Robinson threw the ball instead of getting them in position for a field goal to possibly win by one. Purdue we put up 36 I believe, not the offenses fault that day. That falls on the inexperience and lack of depth in the secondary. OSU we lost by 11 with Forcier alone with four interceptions, one of them for a touchdown. So no matter how you want to spin it, it is not coaching. We actually didn't do a horrible job against Wisconsin either. Youth killed us at times and huge mistakes were made.
Robbie Webb
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 10:24 a.m.
Murrow, you're speaking as if you can see into the future. He is not a horrible coach. I have a very firm grasp on reality on this football team. I never said anything along the lines of they are going to go beat Alabama in Glendale this year, but I do think they will be much improved and will have a good season. No one really knows how the season is going to play out. So what are you going to say if they do have a good season?
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 10:14 a.m.
You RichRod lovers need to put on your ruby slippers, click your heels, and repeat "there's no place like reality" until you wake up from your dream. RichRod is a horrific football coach and ethically challenged. Thank God this will be his last season. Good Night and Good Luck
truebluefan
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 10:02 a.m.
3 and out -- Your opinion about the OL is grounded more in your wishful thinking (that Michigan loses and fires RR) than reality. The team was effective running the football with the top two RB's being injured more than half the season, the team's MVP center out most of the season and two freshman QB's. It's going to get a lot better next season with a large stable of talented RB's, experienced and talented back-ups and experienced QB's. It is obvious you are blinded by your hatred if you can't see the potential and upward trajectory of the OL and running game.
clownfish
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 8:47 a.m.
Rodriguez is only guilty of one thing and one thing only: He has not been winning enough games at Michigan Uh, Mr. Clean is guilty of breaking a signed contract, isn't he? This resulted in a public university having to pony up a lot of money during a recession. What Is worrying is had he won some more games his lack of ethics would be completely overlooked. Wonderful country, a place where winning GAMES is more important than being ethical and passing ethics on to students at a preeminent institution of higher learning.
Robbie Webb
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 8:46 a.m.
3 and Out, I still have to disagree about the line. Aside from my personal opinion, I've heard great things about the line and it being one of the strong points. Campbell does play to high, but he'll learn. Van-Bergan and Martin have great talent and are being taught by the same coach. I think GR did a great job with Stevie Brown, and I think it surprised alot of people when he got drafted. And Warren just wasn't ready to leave yet.
John-Maize Blueblood
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 7:49 a.m.
@ Mr. 3 And Out Since you seem to know it all, please answer the following questions for me: 1 - Are the Madoff victims out of character for making the "poor choice" investing with him? 2 - Have you ever in your life left a lousy job for something better? If you answer yes to this question, then you must be out of character as well. 3 - Have you ever disputed a traffic ticket or defend yourself against any lies or allegations when you strongly believe they are disparaging to the person that you are? If you answer yes to this question, then you must one of those that doesn't take responsibility for your actions either. 4 - What do you know about Rodriguez other than what you have read in the media? Have you ever met him face to face or even spent ten minutes in his company? Now, how can you judge a man that you don't even know? WE are so quick to pass judgement and pretend that WE are so perfect in our dealings every day. If half of the folks that have been denigrating Rodriguez here and elsewhere were half as decent as they pretend to be, the world would have been a very nice place to live in. Life would be fair and there would be no lies and no cheatings anywhere. Unfortunately, we all know that is not the case; the world is all screwed up, not because of the animals, but because of us. Rodriguez is only guilty of one thing and one thing only: He has not been winning enough games at Michigan. I am willing to bet my life savings that all that chatter about Rodriguez being out of character and all that other crap would not even be a point of discussion if Michigan's record under him was 26-0 instead of 8-16.
3 And Out
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 1:05 a.m.
trueblue.... no way this OL is "one of the best in the Big Ten" lol...no way its marginal at best and that is if Molk is back at full strength. The D line is thin and weak. Campbell plays too high...there are no proven pass rushers...without Graham taking double teams, Roh will not get a push... Martin is good but has maxed out his ability... Obi is not fast or flexible enough...Mouton is decent but a loose canon in coverage... etc etc. 5-7 Now lets get to Rich Rod. My dislike of Rich Rod is not just about his terrible coaching at Michigan (out of 24 games only 1 has been well coached in his tenure)... Its about CHARACTER...or rather lack of. If I were in the position to have a HS senior be recruited by Michigan and RR, Id seriously have my son look elsewhere... why? RR has multiple million dollar lawsuits for real estate fraud. He has a track record of deflecting blame and not accepting responsibility, as shown by his comments blaming the previous coaches for the "bare cupboard" as well as his 89 page denial of the NCAA charges. HOw do you think the NCAA is going to look at that? wow what a perilous situation RR has further exasscerbated with his irresponsible CYA legal statement. This is a guy who at best makes very poor choices in his business team, and at worst is guilty of defrauding investors... his financial acuity is TERRIBLE. He owns one house in WV that he cant sell...and went out and bought another MILLION dollar house that he wont be able to sell once Michigan bounces him either. The Dorsey incident in which he, according to Angelique Chengalis, was "enraged" about..is all on him because he tried to slip a player in that was not up to the academic standards of the Michigan program...but that is Rich Rod...and that is Rich Rods MO. Dave Brandon knows this and thats why he is allowing Rich Rod to basically hang himself. That 89 page denial? Brandon knows that the more Rich Rod doth protest...the more the crapstorm will reign down on his head after next years poor season.. the guy doesnt know when to shut up. He spends more time with his legal team than he does gameplanning to stop Pryor.
truebluefan
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 10:53 p.m.
3 and out - I totally disagree about the interior lines, both offensive and defensive. These were the areas hardest hit by lack of experienced depth last season. This season at least we will have the benefit of a couple extra guys on the sidelines waiting to spell the starters. The D line will be stout, strong and quick. Look for a lot of LB blitzes. And I agree we have a couple very talented TE's. I think we'll see the TE's involved in many more plays this season. The safety position is a little scary still but at least we'll have someone back there with some speed and size (Gordon). But Kovacs showed a lot of heart and grit there last season so it wouldn't surprise me if he followed up with a good year. The running game will come together this season...bank on it. The offensive line will be one of the best in the B10, IMO.
Robbie Webb
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 10:09 p.m.
I have yet to see a runningback stand out as well, although I think Smith looks promising and Hopkins is a big back and can get that extra yard or two. The defensive line is actually in my opinion one of our strong points with Martin, Van-Bergan, Campbell, Banks, and even Roh when he's down there. Linebackers are solid, I agree with you on the cornerbacks, Cam Gordon should be a nice fit at safety, and actually Kovacs surprised me for a walkon (all big ten freshman second team I believe) but I don't think they're coached bad and I think Kovacs is a good example of that for a walkon with some talent and who gets himself in good position to make a tackle. Mike Martin, Roh, Floyd, Woolfolk, Ezeh, Mouton, Van-Bergan actually show good technique. William Campbell had technique problems when he showed up and should continue to progress. I think you'll see Marvin Robinson as one of the one or two newcomers who will play right away at the SS/LB spot. And while I agree the schedule is tougher, all but two of our tough games are at home. And with growth and experience we should be much better and SHOULD win no less than 8 or 9 games. While I know very much Uconn is not a pushover team, I truely think Michigan will come out guns blazing.
1998pa
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 9:53 p.m.
Josh Ditton: You're complaining about the fight at MSU not receiving media attention, yet you think the guys were actually wearing ski masks. Why? That's what was reported in the media. And that's where you read it. The fact is they were NOT wearing ski masks. It was a rumor and it was proven false in the video of the incident.
aarox
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 9:49 p.m.
Robbie, Tater, you guys are so off topic. Go back and look at the article. The words "Rich" or "Rodriguez" don't appear in this.
3 And Out
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 9:49 p.m.
Robbie...that interior of the defensive line scares me...they will get run on and run on hard. Obi and Mouton are both decent but there is not much behind them and the safeties are still a joke. I dont think Gibson is a good secondary coach at all...in fact, he is terrible...they play terrible technique back there and are not fundamentally sound. Im not worried about the starting corners so much because Woolfolk, one of the remaining Lloyd holdovers is at his natural position and he will play on Sundays and not just with his kids someday...the other corner will be held down by Turner or Floyd and it will be OK there...but after that they are thin...there will be little to no pass rush either...that defense is in trouble... Offensively not worried about QBs...they will be decent but have to protect the ball better...the line is average in that scheme and would be suited better for a power run type game...but thats not the scheme is it? the RBS are all inexperienced and Smith is coming back from an ACL...not much to be looking forward to there..the WRs are servicable but dont get the ball in stride in this passing game because the QBs are always in scramble to pass mode... this is NOT a pro style passing game and is not the West Coast type Drew Brees game either...the QBS dont get the time to set feet and too much going on in the pocket which breaks down fast...TEs have tons of talent but are underused in this offense...... the schedule is harder than last year 5-7
Robbie Webb
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 9:14 p.m.
3 and Out, I can respect that answer. And I am the same exact way when they lose and just as frustrated as the next die hard Michigan fan. But what upsets me more is to read comments from Michigan fans (Not just on this site) bashing the program and already considering the upcoming season a failure. I just don't think this is the time to give up on Rodriguez. And I agree, he has to have a good season to keep his job, not 6-6. But the way I look at it is this, this is his third year, they finally didn't fire another DC, the team is not as young or inexperienced as they were, everyone should be healthy, everyone has had time to get understand their job and what's to be expected, so there is nowhere to go but up. Provided everyone stays healthy, there are no excuses after this season.
3 And Out
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 8:53 p.m.
Skip...of course I will root for them. When they lose I get sick to my stomach for the next 2 days and am basically useless. Maybe that contributes to why I dont like RR much. For him to even be considered for praise from me for this season, they will need to go at least 9-4, beat Sparty and most of the other rivals and have a strong showing vs. OSU...basically that would get the program back to where Lloyd left it...but dont count on that happening with this guy...he is a glorified OC at best and is way in over his head.
Robbie Webb
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 7:44 p.m.
My points have worked for me and have yet to be proven wrong. I never said anything about about Carr's playbook for the most part being unsuccessful. And I know the spread Carr used is different than Rich Rod's. But my point is there are more effective ways in terms of scoring to beat good teams than just with the old Michigan offense. Again, the spread opens up the running game. So yes, I've watched the games. Have you? And why are people worried about the offense? We put points up. It was defense, and defense only.
Macabre Sunset
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 7:33 p.m.
And, Robbie, why do you continually post that the spread concepts Carr used to beat Florida in the bowl game bear any resemblance to the specific version of the spread RichRod employs, to disastrous results? Seriously. Do you even watch the games? Your point actually works against you. Carr had a diverse, relevant, evolving playbook that made him one of the most successful coaches in modern history. Rodriguez could not beat Toledo when the Rockets began stacking against the four or five plays Rodriguez wanted to use.
Robbie Webb
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 7:24 p.m.
And Rich, Bo also said to stay behind the team when they're losing. Also, being a Michigan man doesn't mean you have to come from Michigan or attend the university. Remember, Bo came from Miami of Ohio. You really need to lay off Rodriguez and see how the season plays out. The truth is no one knows what is going to happen. But we can't pass judgement on him. As Lucretius once said, ''Watch a manin adversity to see what kind of man he is.'' To say Rodriguez is fully at fault for everything is inaccurate.
Robbie Webb
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 7:19 p.m.
3 and Out, who said they were running the 3-3-5? This would be news to me. Because the articles that have been posted here have said the exact opposite. Rodrigez already stated they are not running the 3-3-5. Let me ask you a very honest question, biases aside. Are you pulling for Michigan to do well this year. And if they have a good season, are you still going to be behind Rodriguez if he keeps his job?
Rich
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 7:17 p.m.
I feel that RichRod is an embarrassment to our University and this program. If Schembechler had been alive, RichRod wouldn't have even gotten an interview for this program. Say what you want about Loydd Carr, but he was a good man of character and class. Like Bo said A Michigan man will coach Michigan.
3 And Out
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 7:14 p.m.
RRs type of spread offense works in a lessor quality conference, where the athletes are not as good or... in surprise situations vs. opponents from out of conference who may not have seen that offense much before and lack scouting and practice vs. it. In Big Ten play, where athletes are far superior, and larger, and faster than say the Big East or ACC... etc. the spread gets watered down fast and the chinks in the armor show up all over the place in the form of an overwhelmed offensive line, missed blocks on the outside which lead to corners making easy one on one tackles on perimeter plays. In addition to this, the more physical Big Ten takes its toll on smaller RR spread type players which lead to more injuries and as we have seen... this injury riddled offense becomes like a dike with multiple leaks and you are just trying anything to plug for the players that are out. Jim Harbaugh's offense is much more pro style, and relies on both athleticism and size...it is much better suited for the physical Big Ten play and also for playing outdoors late in the season. these are truths and everyone knows it...statistics back all of this up... and dont even get me started on the 335 defense lol
2sweetblue
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 7:13 p.m.
Holy cow people who cares about Sparty..... We need to worry about Michigan we have got to stop the excuses and deal with the fact we broke rules.
Robbie Webb
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 7:09 p.m.
Mr. Sunset, listen. If you think that the old Michigan offense would be successful to assist the point of another championship, you're wrong. Do you find it a little strange that the big ten has one three championships since 1970? I am very aware defense wins championships, but you have to score as well. If Carr hadn't run the spread in the game against Florida, most likely we would have lost. And actually, the spread opens up the running game. And also again, no one is questioning their ability to score. The focus is on defense. You can't tell me the defense wasn't young or inexperienced except on the line and at linebacker, which wasn't the problem. Secondary killed. And based on just experience alone, they should have improved.
Josh Ditton
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 7:02 p.m.
I did find it super interesting that the whole MSU players donning ski masks and beating people up in dorm rooms didn't garner all that much attention, but Michigan practicing longer - due to internal lack of communication - was a sensation. It's all about media agenda. The media dislikes Rich Rod - and is not afraid to strike the entire university if they get a shot at him. For example, in Dantonio's case, he is "forgiving" and "altruistic" and is "giving kids a second chance" in regards to the MSU scandal. In Rich Rod's case with Demar Dorsey he is recruiting a "Criminal" (even though Dorsey had no record). It's pathetic. You can take any story you want, and twist it to your side. Simple as that.
Robbie Webb
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 7 p.m.
Haha! Did I call it or what? He pointed at the record and said the team is ''Poorly coached''. I want facts on why you think the team is so poorly coached that it produced a losing record. I, however, have explained why the record is the way it is and have backed up my argument. I'm still waiting for you to do the same. I'll wait.
Macabre Sunset
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 7 p.m.
Robbie, good coaches have constantly evolving playbooks. As I've commented in the past, your assessment of what a playbook is in college football bears little relation to reality. Michigan under Lloyd Carr had a modern, successful offense and many quarterbacks who played under him enjoyed long NFL careers. The same can not be said about his gimmicky successor, who does not know what to do when defenses are stacked against the four or five plays he likes to run most frequently.
Robbie Webb
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 6:54 p.m.
3 and Out, Harbaugh is not coming in. Mark it down. And no one said they are going to be elite this upcoming season. But they WILL be much improved. And there are multiple schemes on defense this year, which is smart. If you honestly think Harbaugh is coming in, you are going to be a very disappointed person. And as I have explained before, he is not what Michigan needs anyways. Michigan does not need someone with his playbook and Michigan doesn't have to have someone who played for Michigan in the past. And I until I just read your post never thought you were a Michigan fan. Because all of your comments have been negative. Are you going to be okay when Rich Rod stays?
3 And Out
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 6:52 p.m.
for skippy who wants "facts"...well we can just start with: 3-9, 4-7, worst 2 seasons in UM history back to back, multiple personal lawsuits, university lawsuit, NCAA violations and an 89 page denial by your savior... those are not facts? what are we missing here then lol...maybe you live in Seinfeld's Bizarro World.
3 And Out
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 6:47 p.m.
tater oh ye of blind faith...im the farthest thing from a sparty...i come from a long line of Michigan alums and fans in my family and saw my first game at the big house at age 3.... so think again if you think that its just people from other schools that cant stand the current head coach... but lets be honest here: nothing about what I said can be refuted...everything is true and all of that are things that your savior has done...put it on himself so to speak. Now to have blind faith that the program will suddenly be dominant again on the field, or even be competitive... is a big big stretch.... the defense has no solid scheme, is poorly coached on fundamentals..lacks the size and speed thanks to Barwis ridiculous s and c program...and the offense lacks play makers at RB or WR... and the TEs who may be the best Michigan have had in years...sit in an offensive scheme with a stuborn hc who has no idea how to use them.... 5-7 mark it down.... and then Harbaugh comes in, beefs the team up...puts Devin G in at QB, and coaches the defense up to fundamentals and Michigan wins 9 games in 11...mark that down too.
Robbie Webb
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 6:43 p.m.
Tater, let haters keep talking. They have yet to make one valid point yet. All you'll hear them say is look at the record and then point the finger and say it's all his fault. But again, no facts. Once Michigan does well this season and Rodriguez keeps his job most of them will jump back on the bandwagon and the others will deal with it and disappear.
Robbie Webb
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 6:32 p.m.
3 and In, so he's going to get fired just because you said so? Oh okay, gotcha. Thanks for clearing that up.
RobbiesBoyfriend
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 5:23 p.m.
His lawyers by the way are from OHIO!
3 And Out
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 4:50 p.m.
Good points Pete on D. Brandon stepping up and being a man for Michigan. Unfortunately, the current head football coach did not...and in his typical narcissistic and unnecessarily defiant style issued an 89 page denial of responsibility, which was fabricated by his brilliant team of lawyers. The same lawyers who are defending him in multiple real estate scam lawsuits...and probably the same lawyers who will be filing suit vs. UM after they cut him loose at the end of this upcoming season. That, is the difference between true character and...just another character...
RobbiesBoyfriend
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 4:45 p.m.
Maybe what Brandon Really was apologizing for was taking control of the biggest most powerful pizza chain in the world and running it straight into the ground. he took control from Tom Monaghan himself and destroyed that company, so much that it is now running an ad campaign Apologizing for how terrible their pizza became under the watchful eye of David Brandon. disgusting dough, disgusting sauce, disgusting toppings, and a cheese-less cheese layer to top it all off. Monaghan wrote the book on how to run a successful pizza business, Brandon could write a book on wrecking one.
wersch213
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 3:36 p.m.
Michigan lost to Iowa by 2, MSU by 1, Purdue by 2, and was 1 yard away from breaking Illinois last year. 8-4 or 9-3 was a real possibility last year with 2 true freshman QB's, 1st year Defensive Coordinator, and only a handful of seniors. RobbiesBoyfriend obviously doesn't have a firm grasp on sports in general. Guess what guys...Rich Rodgriguez hasn't even started his 3rd season. This yearMichigan is going to play sound fundamentally, with a sh*t ton of speed and athleticism and a bigger playbook. The read option is going to change games. The players have really come together as a unit. Denard is getting the guys together to watch film and run routes on their own. The offensive line is going to play better, Taylor Lewan is cut from the same cloth as Jake Long, the left side is going to be very strong. Oh, and the Big House will be completed and ready to go Sept 4, symbolizing the rebuilding process has come to and end. THE LEADERS AND BEST, GO BLUE!
RobbiesBoyfriend
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 3:22 p.m.
Maybe Rodriguez could Apologize for needing help to beat Indiana, and losing every other big ten game last year. I mean seriously we were one bad call away (In our favor) to going "O-Fer" in the conference last year. Maybe Brandon can issue an Apology in advance of the 2010 Football season. Maybe when Rodriguez cries in another one of his post game press conferences, Brandon can be next to him apologizing for the team wide STANK.
Kubrick66
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 2:09 p.m.
Right on!