MSU coach Mark Dantonio OK with perception of his team as internal investigation continues
EAST LANSING -- After reviewing the game tape, Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said he still believes his team did not play dirty last week against Michigan.
But were there dirty plays in the Wolverines’ 28-14 loss Saturday?
That’s what the Spartans intend to sort out.
Michigan State announced in a statement Tuesday it has launched an internal investigation into a possible unsportsmanlike violation stemming from Saturday’s game. The statement did not name any players who were subjects of the search, although defensive end William Gholston is believed to be a candidate.
Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio on the sidelines during the Spartans' 28-14 win over Michigan on Saturday.
Jeff Sainlar I AnnArbor.com
Michigan State has three business days to conclude its investigation, then the Big Ten will have three days to complete its review. The Spartans then would have three days to file an appeal of the league’s decision.
Meantime, Gholston is listed first on the Spartans' depth chart that was released Tuesday. They play Wisconsin on Saturday.
Wolverines coach Brady Hoke was asked Tuesday whether he thinks there should be any suspensions following the rough play.
“I don’t know. I don’t make those decisions. I’m just trying to take care of Michigan,” he said, affirming the stance he’s taken since the incidents occurred.
Gholston’s two personal fouls were among six called against Michigan State (the Wolverines had one) and 12 overall penalties, and has drawn fire from local and national media for possible dirty play.
Is Dantonio insulted by the perception of his program right now?
"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."
How would Dantonio respond to critics who call his program dirty?
"You have to take into context, I think first of all, how we've played here the last 50-plus games, and that's how I would (respond)," he said. "We're just playing the game as hard as we can play. It's a physical game, a game of reaction. We're not talking about seconds to react, we're talking about tenths of seconds to react.
"This is a game of collision, and anyone who does not understand that has not been down there on the sidelines. ... That's the way it's always played by the successful teams."
Gholston's punch of Lewan could draw the most scrutiny from school and league officials, as precedent has been set for similar actions.
Former Michigan linebacker Jonas Mouton was suspended for a game in 2009 for a similar incident, and Illinois already has suspended linebacker Jonathan Brown this season for kneeing a Northwestern player in the groin.
Hoke was asked Monday if he had seen Gholston's punch: "Yeah. I’m not going to react to it. I’m a football coach. I’m not a referee or a rules maker. That’s not for me to say. Did I see it? Yes. Does it happen in games? Yes. Is that sometimes part of the game? Yes."
Hoke said the Wolverines sent plays for review to the Big Ten office, which they always do. He did not specify which plays were sent.
Michigan State announced before the news conference Dantonio would not comment directly on Gholston until the investigation is complete. Instead, MSU athletic director Mark Hollis issued a statement that read, in part:
"We are in the process of completing our internal review of the matter. We are thoroughly reviewing the entire game and utilizing all of the available resources: coaches' video from midfield and end-zone cameras, TV copy as well as still photographs. Once the internal review is completed, we will forward a written report on to the Big Ten. The conference office won't discuss a timeline for this process and neither will we.
Hollis also said “this is an isolated incident and Coach D and his staff will continue to emphasize the importance of maintaining one’s compusre during the heat of the moment.”
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
Ralph
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 12:56 a.m.
state has always been a dirty hitting team through the 30 years I have watched this game, I've watched both teams and dantonio is no better than his players, he doesn't believe in punishment if it hurts his team. Go BADGERS!!!!!! This UM fan will be cheering them on.
Rufus
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 6:15 p.m.
You don't hear the Michgian players complaining. Also, I like the way Hoke handled it. he said it's football and football is rough. It didn't hurt Michigan, it hurt MSU. Gholston did 2 stupid things that in a close game could have cost his team the win. So I don't know why my fellow fans and alumni of Michigan keep bringing it up. MSU beat us. They were the better team. Lets not be whiners. Also, I'm sure many Michigan lineman have "played dirty" so to speak over the years. If Gholston were on Michigan we'd say "he shouldn't do that it could cost us a game", Hoke would read him the riot act. And we'd be glad we had him. Let's not be hypocrites or like a bad mommy trying to protect her babies. Go Blue!
Marcus Ray was Right!
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 5:15 p.m.
Interesting responses from MSU fans. I would rather lose a game and have my integrity and reputation intact than win a game and lose my integrity and reputation. This is coming from an individual who nearly died as a result of a baseball injury, ruptured spleen. Mother was told by the doctor before surgery to "Go in and say good bye to your son, because he may not be coming out of this." So I really do have a prespective on how damaging and dangerous this type of thuggery and behavior is. That is why you cannot look at the outcome of the behavior (no major injury to the recipient) but the intent. Because once the outcome occurs, the results can be devastating. I guess that is why MSU cannot live up to the Michigan Difference of holding integrity and reputation above other things. Oh, yeah, I forgot the MSU's coach was a disciple of the OSU coach. The one who signed a paper attesting to the fact he knew of no wrongdoing but his e-Mails showed otherwise. I guess in that world, it's all relative of what is a higher standard.
Tru2Blu76
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 4:05 a.m.
The Big Ten investigations are not like the NCAA investigations in one way: for years, NCAA allowed ONLY internal investigations w/o review AT: Ohio State. Tressel routinely reported "no problem here" to the NCAA and they accepted that (apparently based on Tressel's sterling reputation). NOT the Big Ten: they will almost certainly call for suspension of Gholston. But - it's worth mentioning they may also at least mention some fouls committed by Michigan players, if for no other reason than to show there was "some provocation" by Michigan. Overall: MSU is going to be kept an eye on by both the NCAA and the Big Ten. Ironic that Dantonio points to "the last 50 games we played" because he's been minimizing punishment of his players for violations off and on the field SINCE HE ARRIVED at Hogwort's State of Occult Learning, in East Lansing, MI 48666.
Somargie
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 3:53 a.m.
Boo-hoo-hoo...Michigan lost and is looking for yet another reason to doubt their inflated ego. Not surprised by the investigation...too many "rabid" fans in positions of power and disbelief that UM can be beat. It doesn't matter what happens in a State vs Michigan game...if State wins...Michigan always have a reason to explain away their loss. When they win...it's always "genuis." It's football...no surprise by the rough play. Investigate it, deal with it...then move on. State won & Michigan lost and the "so-call" dirty team is just a Disney Fairy Tale to try to discredit a better team, with a better defense. It's only a game.
se1968
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 12:49 a.m.
Sparty doesn't need Michigan fans to discredit them, they did that all on their own with the multiple cheap shot. The thing is MSU still would have won the game but they cheapened it by their actions. I work and Lansing and have had numerous MSU fans come up and say they are embarrased by what happened in the game. Particularly the piling on and wrenching Denards facemask. Without that cheap shot the rest probably gets overlooked. Be proud of your school, I know I am and they lost.
Jaxon5
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 2:44 a.m.
They'll probably do nothing as a result of the investigation. Wisconsin 56, MSU 24
se1968
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 2:15 a.m.
As much as I love the Wolverines I have to give the MSU team credit, tough & talented on both lines with good backs and very physical. Personally I think a couple of the plays were cheap. The punch and the horse collar tackle didn't really bother me, that kind of thing happens in a rivalry game. The piling on and twisting Denards helmet by the facemask is as cheap as you can get and the fact that there were multiple late hits makes it look like this was "condoned". If I would have seen a coach screaming at the players after the play that's one thing but when it's high fives you can tell it's something different.
aataxpayer
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 1:48 a.m.
I simply don't believe Coach D when he says, "We're not coaching that."
XTR
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 1:34 a.m.
Terell Pryor and 4 others plus their coach Jim Tressel were suspended for 5 games for trading OSU memorabilia with free tatoos then it is only a matter of time before the suspension of Gholston and Dantonio. Having free tatoos are an NCAA violation but that is small time and harmless, what the MSU punks did at the game, were all out criminal in nature - assault and attempted serious physical injury. What is alarming is that, their coaches seem to tolerate if not encourage such deeds. Now those actions are not only prohibited in sports, they are prohibited in civilized society. So if those actions exists in academic institutions like the Michigan State University then they should be punished for that. Since the media is already making a deal at this, Gholston might be suspended for many games and worse, Dantonio might be pressured to resign like his idol Jim Tressel. lol
Bogie
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 1:24 a.m.
Hey champions of the world. Why don't you guys concentrate on being champions of the state first. Football is a violent game, and Gholston was penalized on the field. Please stop drinking the espn koolaid. Coach D should be mad about all the yards those stupid penalties cost his team, and that's it. I know, it was nice watching those first five games. Watching Denard run down the field like he was playing against the scout team. It is your school's fault, for having such a patsy schedule. If you haven't notice, I'm not a fan. Consequently, I really like Denard's attitude, and wish him well. I'm sure he wouldn't do a heismann pose in an endzone.
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 1:58 a.m.
Bogie, all of your posts wont change the fact that no one, not one team, will play msu without a plan to level the playing field. Cousins isn't that mobile so one late shot at UWs or UNeb's QB and it's all over for msu. Do you know why Coach Hoke and Michigan players have kept their mouths shut? Because they are smarter than your DC. "60 minutes of unnecessary roughness". "...get a penalty on every play". The BT will suspend the coach on his own quotes. Just like you and mt. Just don't know enough to just shut up. TiM Go Blue!
XTR
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 1:38 a.m.
LOL there are lots of nervous Sparty fans out there. Remember tatoogate? Now this is thuggerygate by MSU! Remember what happened that day bro, MSU beat UM but the dirty plays MSU did, they gotta be punished for that. What is the point of winning the game, then lose the dignity and respect? lol
zimmats
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 1:17 a.m.
more good reporting from kyle meinke. enjoyed this piece and the massive one that included the revelation that msu was anticipating our snap count (!)
Falconiero
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 1:13 a.m.
MSU can gloat all the want to.... at least Michigan will still be ranked by this time next week.
braggslaw
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 1:01 a.m.
The game is over concentrate on Michigan.
Lorain Steelmen
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 12:49 a.m.
You can stick a fork in msu....and Dantonio, they're done. National tv (ESPN), has exposed msu's approach to the sport. ...And their code of conduct, er, code of misconduct, right Mr. Narduuuzi? ...Mr 'tough guy'? No amount of talking now, will change the tape, or the fact, that our little Markie, Narduzzi, and several of their players are just punks, ......mascarading as football players. The image of a football helmet, getting rotated nearly 360 degrees, by the face mask, while the wearer is pinned under the pile, under three or four other players, ALL bigger than he was, isn't going away, any time soon. Hollis can't put a 'smiley face' on any of this garbage. And nationally, the 'image' of Spartan football has been trashed, by their own actions...for a long, long, time to come. Meanwhile, Hoke will toughen his kids up, and will play 'within the rules' of the game. Hoke will stay within the guidelines of his Schemblechler / Hayes, 'tough, but clean' heritage. The Bradster, may not be saying much of anything ('ah shucks, its' just football'), but you can bet the boys over at Schemebechler Hall are at work. Hmmm. Son of a gun...Don't look now, but the Badgers are in town Saturday, (Oh my!), for a friendly little get together. I'll bet Bielema doesn't have to say a word. I'll bet their kids are just shaking in their boots.... Then there's that little trip to Lincoln on the 29th. I'm sure Bo Pellini undersrtands that this was all just a misunderstanding. But don't worry about a thing Mark, the Univ of Nebraska, has one to the TOP trama centers in the midwest! As the Ghost always says...'Good Night and Good Luck'....
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 5:18 p.m.
And this discussion has exposed Michigan State fans who, apparently, don't know how to spell the name of the slimy little creek that slithers through the M-S-Moooooooooooooo campus. GN&GL
Lorain Steelmen
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 4:14 p.m.
Ghost....They say that imitation, is the most sincere form of flattery. Your line seemed like EXACTLY the right comment, at the right time. Meanwhile, I think we ALL are closing ranks behind Coach Hoke and this team. For me, what is in the past, is in the past. What is important now, IS the program, going forward......This IS Michigan, for God sacks!.
redceder1
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 1:36 p.m.
Correct. National TV (ESPN) has exposed us. College Football Game Day will be in E. Lansing for the national game of the week. Michigan State exposed the Wolvies for the frauds they are again this year. For your information, ESPN/ABC runs college football and not the AA media. The game was chippy on both sides and that's what happens iin big rivalry games. Sorry, I forgot State is not a rival for you. You just hate losing to us.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 1:27 a.m.
Hey, you stole my line. And a great post, LS. GN&GL
Ron Granger
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 12:29 a.m.
This reminds me that Kwame Kilpatrick graduated from MSU law school. He also had trouble with rules, and telling right from wrong.
NoSUVforMe
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 12:18 a.m.
Dantonio is the Thug Master. He should really be proud of the disgusting behavior of his "student athletes." Maybe he wouldn't take so kindly if someone chose to smash Cousins knee caps while laying on the ground. After all, it's just a penalty.
2sweetblue
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 12:12 a.m.
The hypocrisy of Meechigan fans is very entertaining. You people whine about how everyone is perfect in A2. Last week against Northwestern Kovaks darn near rips the head of the QB. That's OK in your eyes. While I don't like what William did I also don't like Lewan holding him down by the face mask and taunting him. You people always whine when you lose. Listen to your coach and understand this is football. If you break down the whole game I am sure you would find some cheap shots done by a few Meechigan players. Every year you guys lose a certain few want to cry and stir the pot.
Blu n Tpa
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 11:33 p.m.
mt, you appear to be lost. This is a Michigan web site. It's OK, your welcome to stay. It would be nice if you brought something factual, not made up, to the conversation. By the way, "mt" are those initials, or something shortened, like Midland Texas, or the results of your last brain scan? Go Blue! TiM
mt
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 11:15 p.m.
Gee, all it takes is taking the Wolvies to the woodshed and MSU is now the lead of the AA.com. And last week they were irrelevant. Guess it must be October and time for big boy football. Could you give a heads up for next year's September Heisman?
BornInA2
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 11 p.m.
Dantonio's comments remind me of the OSU athletic director insisting that there is no institutional problem there, despite a year-long string of violations. The two worst issues, the punch and the neck-wrenching had nothing to do with playing 'tough'. They were blatant examples of thuggery and rationalizing them in any way is disgusting. Please review their defensive coordinator's comments in the recent Freep article and see if you need any additional proof that this sort of play was encouraged. If a player had been injured on either play there would be no debate. Just because they weren't doesn't make it 'tough play'. Hoke and his team are taking the high road here. Michigan Men. Go Blue!
David Briegel
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 10:49 p.m.
Come on Dantonio, what are you going to learn from a "review"? Come on Big 10, what are you going to learn from a "review"? The criminal evidence has been there for the whole world to see since Sat. Honest, decent football players like Chris Spielman, OSU, looked on in disbelief at the thiuggish behavior. What can you possibly be thinking other than cover up?? Are we going to sink this low?
L. C. Burgundy
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 10:39 p.m.
Speaking as someone who only has the most casual interest in football, the way MSU played was pretty disgusting. I'm reminded of the assault and permanent crippling of Steve Moore by Todd Bertuzzi in the NHL in the level of wanton, deliberately injury-causing violence that was being displayed. Dantonio pretty clearly condones an atmosphere of uncontrolled violence to the point where he's okay with obviously deliberate attempts to permanently maim or even kill opposing players on the field. Whatever it takes to win, I suppose?
a2girl
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 10:33 p.m.
Now I am not sure which team is a bigger embarrassment to the Big Ten: MSU or OSU. It will be a long time before I cheer for Michigan State again. Or maybe not...seems Dantonio is gearing up to move to Columbus.
Jack Gladney
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 9:40 p.m.
Waaa!! Mommy!!! Little Brother plays too rough and never lets me win! Can you get my blankie and make me a PB&J with the crusts cut off? Thanks Mommy.
David Briegel
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 10:39 p.m.
Spoken like a true spartan. 2nd rate, 2nd best in Michigan and a 3rd rate coach and football program!
heartbreakM
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 8:49 p.m.
Dantonio is proving to be no admirable leader as a coach. All he cares about is winning vs. Michigan, and he will do anything he has to do to accomplish that goal, including condoning behavior on the field that is outside of the rules. No coach should tolerate this type of behavior, and he is doing everything he can to keep Dirty Gholston on his roster so he could do the same against the Wisconsin team. Wins are the goal of any football coach, but winning clean should be the goal. Any coach I admire has to abide by that rule. When there is an isolated incident on the field, you can overlook it as "heat of the moment/battle". But when there are 6 personal fouls before and after the half, punches thrown, etc, that is indication of systemic problem in the program/game plan. This was no "emotional victory" but a systematic flouting of the rules with the intent to beat Michigan literally to a pulp. MSU is shaming itself with such behavior. And they are shaming the Big Ten conference and rules of competition at the same time. And by the way MSU fans, you can stop YOUR attacks on UM fans now. This has nothing to do with the outcome of the game on Saturday, but has everything to do with fair play, rules, and honor and respect. These are things that most UM fans and alumni care a lot about.
redceder1
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 8:43 p.m.
Mouton was suspended for punching a player while unprovoked. That same year, Mark Ortman was not suspended for punching an Illinois player while the player stood over him and taunted him (provoked). Gholston was provoked because Lewan pulled him down and held him down by his face mask. Lewan was probably upset because he was holding Gholston all day and was not getting called for it. So wah, wah to you too. I really don't see what all the fuss is about because losing to State again and again is not a big deal. Right? Your thing is getting waxed by Ohio State.
Blu n Tpa
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 11:57 p.m.
Lewan actually took it easy on him. It's legal for him to hold him down and he could have driven him into the ground again if he wanted to. Next time he will want to. Oh, how did he get on the ground in the first place? Trip on his shoe laces? MSU took their best shots after the play way over. I'm sure your are very proud of those classy spartan players. Somewhere Coach Duffy and Bubba Smith are hiding their eyes in shame.
Goofus
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 8:35 p.m.
Wisconsin suddenly has a very popular football program at the University of Michigan...lol.
Mush Room
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 1:47 a.m.
Fortunately, UM doesn't play Whisky this year. There's nothing new about UM wishing MSU ill. It started on the day the B1G voted MSU into the B1G. UM voted no, the only school to do so. This has been a long and bitter rivalry that was full blown long before MSU even joined the B1G. There's a major controversy virtually every time UM loses: one extra second on the clock, intentionally missed calls by the refs, players who UM fans wanted suspended because of off-season offenses, and now, a few on-field sins by a couple of MSU players. There's nothing new here at all: when UM loses, the whining from UM fans is inevitable.
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 12:05 a.m.
And suddenly, msu fans not located in EL can't hold their heads high for beating Michigan. Too many questions about style and character and not enough about pride of school and doing it right. Next week and the week after, and the week after, msu will be on the hot seat. One late hit. "You're gone!" Unnecessary roughness, "Get outa here", and if a msu player hits a QB late, like vs UW or UNeb? The D-lineman will miss the next NFL draft due to rehab. A Big Red O-lineman will hold one of them up and a fullback will take out a knee. Doofus, bring a towel to future games.
mun
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 8:30 p.m.
Fine Dantonio. Just don't be surprised next year if your players get chop blocked.
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 1:43 a.m.
mt and bogie, both on the same thread. Who's feeding the pigs? You guys enjoy because your team cheapened your victory and set the stage for further review. By the way, your post don't really matter, I seriously doubt your graduated from anything beyond 10th grade. That wouldn't even get your into ELCC.
Bogie
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 1:26 a.m.
Those plays didn't change the outcome. How about next year, you guys play a real schedule, so it won't be such a let down.
mt
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 8:50 p.m.
Don't be surprised if you try and you get to spend another day in the woodshed.
MRunner73
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 8 p.m.
To All Sparty Fans: The better football won the game Saturday. The thuggery went way over the top. Some of the incidents reminded me of the original Longest Yard movie. Your team is better than ours at this point but you should be ashamed on how they behaved on the playing field. If not, you lose the respect that you all desparately are seeking. Thump your chest when you WIN a Big 10 title. GO BLUE!!!
DonAZ
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 9:30 p.m.
Yes, a *share*. But not enough of a share to go the Rose Bowl. Instead you drew Alabama. And we know how that turned out.
Goofus
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 8:28 p.m.
State won a Big Ten Title last year.
Blue Marker
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 7:44 p.m.
I concede the better team won on Saturday. But I'd be embarrassed if my team pulled the same stuff State did in that game. I've read the national perspective on-line and watched the World Wide Leader for their take. Everyone sees this as a black eye on MSU's program except MSU A reputable university would have suspended the kid themselves and not wait for the NCAA. Instead he gets a pat on the back from the good ole ball coach. There has been a string of arrests since Coach D took over. And he'll look the other way on this too. Congratulation Spartan fans.....you managed to surpassed the Michigan football program only to look even more ridiculous than you did before.
LITTLE MIKEY
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 9:42 p.m.
I'm actually legit curious mt...what are you talking about? I'm not trying to be whiny here; I don't recall hearing about this...
K32
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 7:15 p.m.
Boo hoo, Michigan. Let's face it, you lost!
unclefred
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 4:40 p.m.
Yup We lost. Out played and out coached. Period. You had the more effective offense and defense on Saturday. We did not just lose, you beat us flat. No excuse. This is not about who won or lost. You would have achieved exactly the same result without the personal foul in question. Before you ignore the plays and players and coaching that have brought about this investigation you may want to think about what happened in the NHL a few years back. Where a player faced criminal charges for actions on the ice. Football is an intensely physical game. A lot of winning, perhaps most, is dependent on punishing the losers. To quote a line from a movie "that's why girls don't play the game". However there is a line, however fine, between hard fought play and deliberately attempting to injure a helpless opponent. If your program doesn't police itself and the Big Ten/NCAA also turns a blind eye, eventually a play like this will cripple or even kill another player. At that point jurisdiction will move out of the arena of sports and into a criminal court. No one who is a fan of college football wants that to happen. The video of this foul speaks for itself. It was not the heat of the moment or inadvertent hand placement. Your program would be best served by dealing with this now, or things will escalate in subsequent games until there is another worse incident and outside forces will be compelled to intervene.
cagazote
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 11:01 p.m.
Duh...really? That does not take away the fact that State has a dirty program. I can not wait to see what the Big Ten and NCAA have to say.
mt
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 8:57 p.m.
Keeping it Real? Not popular in Ann Arbor. Mission Accomplished. News headlines were; UM taking to the woodshed. Fans whine as usual. Same as the last three years.
Goofus
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 8:32 p.m.
Your team loses a football game and you advise the losing QB to sue the guys who tackled him? That's the Michigan Difference? lol.
KeepingItReal
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 8:27 p.m.
Michigan may have lost the game but MSU lost in the court of public opinion. Outside of Lansing, you are not a popular program. Just read teh news headlines across the country. Wisky is going to blow you top off. I hope Denard's parents have consulted a lawyer.
EyeHeartA2
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 7:09 p.m.
"Enjoy" it for 4 more days, Sparty. The well known can will be opened up at about 8:00PM on Sat. night. Enjoy. Hope to see you get rolled like Nebraska did.
David Briegel
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 6:59 p.m.
One of the things I have always admired about the rivalry of OSU and Mich is the hard hitting, intense and tough play. I have rarely seen that game devolve into anything resembling the mugging by MSU. OSU and Mich have always played football at the highest competitive level without the cheapening of the game. According to their own players Dantonio and Narduzzi coached them to play this way. Of course nobody will ask directly what punching, body slamming and attempting to rip the head off an opponent or breaking his neck intentionally has to do with football. This will now become the new standard of play. MSU football has brought shame to their school and the Big 10! Shame on Mark Dantonio! A new low for the Big 10! If the Big 10 does nothing then they are approving this type of play. Welcome to the brave new Big 10. Maybe Linda McMahan would be available as commissioner!
Cindy
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 6:41 p.m.
Of course Dantonio didn't see anything wrong it is obvious from past allegations against his football team that he condones this type of behavior.
David Briegel
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 10:43 p.m.
From the statements of his very own players, they were coached to play this way in clear violation of the rules and the spirit of the game!
A2Realilty
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 10:27 p.m.
I think that the use of the word "condones" is inappropriate. I would say "encourages."
Chase Ingersoll
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 6:24 p.m.
It just really looked ugly. It is one thing to take a punch at someone your size who is standing and facing you because he has been "engaged" in blocking you. It is another thing to get flagged for diving on a player that is on the ground, face down, underneath a pile of your team-mates and to then to grab the face mask and try and twist his head off. I've been watching football for 35 years, and I don't think I've ever seen a more blatant attempt to do nothing more than cause an injury to the other teams quarterback. The penalties committed by MSU did nothing but help Michigan stay in the game. But watching the replay even with the most die hard MSU fan and they cringe and admit that you've got players on that defense that are behaving like thugs suffering from a dangerous combination of low self esteem, rage issues and too many blows to the head. Short term these players get used and their teams may win, but long term, the other players in the league will extract some justice that will shorten their careers. I suspect that the Wisconsin offensive line has been watching the replay and that without it being said, they and the rest of the offense knows what has to be done in the first quarter, even if it costs them a couple of penalties - a couple of chop blocks to knees in the first quarter and get that guy out of the game and maybe off the field for the rest of the season.
alarictoo
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 6:02 p.m.
Looks like it's not just an internal review anymore... <a href="http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2011-10-18/gholstons-physical-play-may-be-source-of-michigan-states-review" rel='nofollow'>http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2011-10-18/gholstons-physical-play-may-be-source-of-michigan-states-review</a>
John of Saline
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 5:58 p.m.
Remember the big fight a bunch of players were arrested for? Which led to very little punishment? Same will apply here. Obvious dirty play/cheap shots will be ignored.
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 1:32 a.m.
mt he transfer to your school after getting booted from UM. You didn't know that?
DonAZ
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 5:55 p.m.
Dantonio is only saying what he has to say given the circumstances. It's perfectly understandable he would not at this time admit guilt. I'd be willing to bet Brandon and other UM officials have been in communications with Big 10 officials. This thing will take its course. And this Saturday MSU has to face Wisconsin, who has two chips on its shoulder: (1) last year's loss to MSU, and (2) being just outside the BCS championship at the moment. So this Saturday it's game on. Sparty better be ready. It's going to be something to watch.
Tru2Blu76
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 4:14 a.m.
RE: Wisconsin, some media insiders are calling on Wisc. to go even further with running up scores and stompin' & trompin' opponents - IF they really want into that BSC box. Don't know if Wiscy is listening though. And yes, I want to see the Badgers take revenge on their past loss to MSU, but even more I want to see Michigan put an end to Sparty's pretensions NEXT season.
azwolverine
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 2:25 a.m.
Well mt, I guess will find out, won't we...
mt
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 11:18 p.m.
Heard they are taking a look at all players, including a certain leader and best that may have crossed that line you should never verbally cross. I am sure he can explain it was just talk to all those future recruits.