man of bluue

Sun, Aug 8, 2010 : 7:22 p.m.

bballcoachfballfan thanks. Well said, however, I believe RR needs four years even though I believe he will do better than 8-4 this fall. The past two years the majority of starters have been LC recruits, and this year, starting RR recruits look to be barely in the majority. Next year will tell the true tale. Go RR and Go Blue

truebluefan

Sat, Aug 7, 2010 : 9:40 p.m.

Murrow - Bo ousted Frieder, and we ended up with "a Michigan Man" in Steve Fisher. Well, he only presided over by far the worst NCAA scandal that the University of Michigan will ever experience. This is why the Michigan Man mantra is overused, tired, expired and worthless.

Brian

Sat, Aug 7, 2010 : 11:04 a.m.

RE: "Everyone else does it." --We expect better of Michigan RE: "These rules are petty." --We expect better of Michigan RE: "Winning cures everything." --We expect better of Michigan RE: The NCAA is "out to get" RR & UM: You cannot be serious.

Cali

Sat, Aug 7, 2010 : 9:18 a.m.

How far will we fall before Michigan finally pulls the plug? When you recruit and hire a trash coach, your program is going to smell. Wake up Brandon and stop the bleeding already.

PortageLkBlu

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 11:39 p.m.

Jim B, Bill Frieder quit, just becuase Bo wouldn't let him coach that championship game does not mean he was fired Bo just didn't like finding out second hand. Also, get your facts straight if your going to post up no one is saying wins are more important than integrity. Again, making mistakes are going to happen in all aspects of life even yours. We're trying to say, don't use common mistakes to ruin the future of a person or program think again, think. This is getting like the little girl that was busted for selling lemonade and not having a restaurant license. RR is good coach that has made some mistakes and all those WV mistakes were not all on his watch. Next we'll be busting coaches for rudeness and arrogance and if that happens Mich. will get busted again for all of LLoyd and Bo's rudeness and tantrums throughout the years, come on boys and girls get real. I spent years in the military and I can tell some of you kids I wouldn't want some of you backing me in a firefight cause I made some mistakes in my life to.

JimB

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 9:54 p.m.

It dissapoints me to see posts stating that wins are more important than integrity/ win at all costs mentality. I'll say it again...that is not the Michigan way. Bennie Oosterbaan had a terrible record as a basketball coach and a very successful record in first half of his football coaching career with losing seasons after that. He was allowed to stay because he was considered to be a man of integrity (a Michigan Man). On the other hand, Bill Freider was fired despite his successes as well as Gary Moeller. Both were let go because they shamed the University. That's the U of M I grew up with.

Doug

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 7:32 p.m.

Give me a break. With all the investigations the NCAA has going across the country I am thinking someone there is trying to prove they have a purpose. To much practice.... There is not one program that doesn't violate this rule. The NCAA needs to look at their criteria for an investigation and maybe tweak it. Lets just play football.

wvtroll

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 2:44 p.m.

truebluefan, I think that the ghost is saying he doesn't like what the COACH is doing, not the TEAM. There's a difference.

PortageLkBlu

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 1:55 p.m.

I didn't care when Bo, Gary, LLoyd or Pete Carrol made mistakes before and I don't care about this mistake or mistakes that RR has made. To me these are mistakes intentional or otherwise and I don't put these kinds of mistakes in the category of major violations like the coach giving a kid thousands of dollars or a new Cadillac or beating the kid with a two by four. If RR loses his job and Pete Carrol becomes available I'd love to see Mich. get him becuase I'm not naive like some of you to think any man or woman is going to win at a major college and not make mistakes either by mistake or otherwise. I don't care what other colleges are doing as far as cheating and the ones that are don't make it right for Mich. to cheat but at the same time I will say I want RR to be successful as in score lots of points and get Mich. back on track and try not to make mistakes to often although I understand it happens. If RR gets fired I'm going to forgive the next coach right now for all the mistakes he's going to make either by mistake or otherwise, Get em RR go Blue!

truebluefan

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 1:54 p.m.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost - OK, so let me get this straight, if Michigan goes 11-1 this year, you will not support Michigan football because it has an "ethically challenged" coach? Oh, that's right, you're going to cheer on Michigan football to a B10 or national championship, but call for the coaches' head in the process. Now I know FOR SURE that you are in the group that would be LONG GONE if Michigan wins enough to save RR's job this season.

truebluefan

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 1:46 p.m.

macabre - if you're a TRUE Michigan fan, then why don't you venture over to mgoblog.com and post your well thought out arguments for many other TRUE Michigan fans to see? Trust me, there are no OSU or MSU fans there. Maybe then you will see that most TRUE Michigan fans support Coach Rod.

Sean T.

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 12:36 p.m.

Integrity of the University should be upheld throughout all of it's members and faculty. When students do things that are not of the University standards they're reprimanded or dismissed. From the Janitors to the Professor's, all are subject to scrutiny and punishment for besmirching the University of Michigan. That is why Gary Moeller was fired wasn't it? We should not take the attitude that RR's behavior should be looked as lesser because other universities have done this too. And we should think twice about claiming all schools have committed these infractions when we have not a lick-of-proof! What happened to taking responsibility for our actions and owning up to them, don't we learn this as children? You can call many haters and unfaithful but these folks seem honest and realistic to me.

sky possum

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 12:14 p.m.

Well,I guess WVU and UM have something in common after all.Now we can join forces against the evil doers known as pitt,osu,msu.nd and va.tech in a common goal to destroy those that are out to destroy us. In all seriousness,thank you folks for NOT turning this into a West Virginia bashing thread.

man of bluue

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 12:08 p.m.

bballcoachfballfan thanks. Well said, however, I believe RR needs four years even though I believe he will do better than 8-4 this fall. The past two years the majority of starters have been LC recruits, and this year, starting RR recruits look to be barely in the majority. Next year will tell the true tale. Go RR and Go Blue

spartyisyourlilsister

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 11:47 a.m.

Funny how Sparty Dave Birkett and Rothstein left out the fact that Stewart continued the same practice regimen after Rich Rod left.

spartyisyourlilsister

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 11:43 a.m.

I see Sparty Dave Birkett has contributed to this article now as well. Way to pile on Dave!! Apparently Stewart continued the practice structure after Coach Rodriguez left, just goes to show that the NCAA practice rules are fuzzy at best and it does not sound like a whole lot of NCAA teams follow the rules, because they are so vague.

fredric

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 11:35 a.m.

I have supported Rich in the past, however, this seems to be a way of doing business for him and his staff ( and I am sure that this goes on at other schools as well). The real question is, not how many wins he can muster up this season, but, If a Teaching Professor was brought up on similar charges, would they be allowed to continue to teach? Most likely not! They would be suspended pending a full scale review. Am sorry to say this but I think this is what must happen to maintain the integrity of the University. You can not have 2 sets of standards, one for education and one for athletics!

bballcoachfballfan

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 11:30 a.m.

I don't know Rich personally, but everyone I know that knows him says he is a great guy--friendly, charitable, etc. So, let's set aside the personal attacks from those who have never met the man and concentrate on coaching. His record has been awful--no debating that. But this idea of bringing shame on the university is nonsense. USC brought shame on the university because they paid players to come play there. This stuff between here and WVU is so minor. Only those who want to sensationalize this (media, OSU fan, MSU fan, RichRod haters) could possibly call this shaming the university. It's not fun to go through and he should have known better (or at least the compliance departments should have interpreted the rules better) but this is far from shame. If the NCAA does anything approaching the penalties they levied upon USC, the entire organization should be dissolved and reinvented. As one of my friends said, "calling these major violations is like Starbucks calling a small coffee a Grande." No, its not grand, its a small. Let's concentrate on Rich's results on the field. They must improve drastically this year or he will lose his job. It doesn't matter what anyone thinks of him, he must win at least 8 games, and beat MSU, or he will be fired. Personally, I think he will do that but I am far from certain. And if he had three consecutive bad years at the University of Michigan, he should be fired. We all know that there are those who hate Rich because he is not from the Bo tree. I understand that but I think it is hurting the young men who play here to undermine him--if that is what's happening. We also all know that if Rich is fired, Jim Harbaugh will be the next coach. While Jim has proven to be an excellent coach and recruiter, this will present a major problem for our program. Rich Rodriquez believes in two things above all: dual threat, fast quarterbacks and speed over size. Jim Harbaugh believes in two things above all: pro-style, drop back quarterbacks and power (meaning size over speed at many positions). We have all gone through the three year turnover of our roster to fit a speed system. Get ready for another three years of turmoil if we go back to a power system. I think both guys can win and both systems can work but this roster is now built for speed so be careful what you wish for Richrod haters...

A2D2

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 11:25 a.m.

Various and Sundry Thoughts on This Whole Subject:....Anytime you're forced to have an entire department dedicated to following the rules, it's because you have too many rules.....Anytime you're forced to have an entire department dedicated to following the rules, it's because you have too many rule-breakers.....If the CEO of a company has a VP that can't follow the rules, it's up to the CEO to step in, be the referee, and fix the situation. Where was Bill Martin in all this?....There didn't seem to be any violation issues during the Carr era. How did the compliance department get so incompetent the day Lloyd retired?....How many wins makes it okay? I would submit that tainted program lasts much longer than a random winning season.. just random thoughts

kem

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 10:40 a.m.

Now I'm convinced some of you have a personal vendetta against RR, it's strange that no one has brought up the name of the current coach (Stewart) at WVU as doing anything shady or not promoting an atmosphere blah, blah, blah, not even WVU fans. Remember these allegations also included the last two years when RR was not even the coach at WVU. Just think for a minute!! How can you blame RR for the last two years at WVU when he was not even there; this was/is an issue by the compliance department. Even Oliver Luck, WVU's athletic director admitted so and thus he has made changes in that department to make sure the rules are properly defined and that is the same thing UM has done. If you want change you have to start from the top and that is clearly what WVU and UM has done with their compliance departments respectively. Now, moving forward these departments will be able to effectively communicate the rules to their respective coaches.

CountyKate

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 10:21 a.m.

I think we're losing sight of the people who will really be hurt by all this and by any sanctions the NCAA hands down. The student athletes of U-M are caught in the middle of all of this through no fault of their own. They deserve better

man of bluue

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 10:19 a.m.

JimB. Integrity is not an issue here. Winning is an issue. RR is a man of integrity and I fully support him. If he can't win then he should go.

JimB

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 9:37 a.m.

I can't understand he logic that some are using for RR to keep his job. 'If he goes 8-4 then it's o.k." So winning trumps integrity? Win at all costs? NOT a Michigan tradition. Never has been and I'll be very suprised (and dissapointed) if that mind set begins now.

man of bluue

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 9:29 a.m.

les Miles has publicly shown ethical lapses and Lloyd car does not want him here. nuf sed.

deb

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 9:29 a.m.

I think there is a lot that can be gleaned from the comment by Mr. Brandon Ive already said Rich is our coach this fall." Just sayin...

raddesc

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 9:20 a.m.

ironinthesky2---I think I'm right there with you...I don't know RR nor do I pretend to. So using words like "smug," "arrogant," and "egotistical" can be a little absurd when you really don't know the individual you're speaking of. However, the nonsense of changing screen names is a nonissue, considering those that have a personal bias against RR, will ALWAYS have this bias. By the way, OSU in July alone has received 13 "secondary" violations. That puts all their sports programs over I believe (may need accuracy check) 250 "secondary" violations committed. 4 came alone in the "illegal" recruiting of S. Henderson when he bailed USC. Malcom Jenkins and Cris Carter contcted or spoke with him. Also, T Pryor text messaged him to play for OSU. Meanwhile, their QB coach Nick Siciliano made illegal contact with a recruit by "bumping into him" on the recruiting trail. Point being, EVERYONE is KNOWINGLY bending the NCAA rules to gain a competitive balance---and then smacking themselves on the wrist (a.k.a. compliance office) to the NCAA. It doesn't make it right, but aparently, it doesn't make it wrong either. Maybe the NCAA should spend some time analyzing OSU's recruiting procedures.... Now, I know some may argue these are just "secondary" violations however imo so does the case of "extra" practice time. If Jim Tressel (who some of you hold in auch awe and reverence) is KNOWINGLY breaking the rules and playing the compliance game, why such hard feelings about RR? Answer: Tressel is winning games--RR is not (yet). Otherwise, why use OSU, the b10 powerhouse, as the benchmark? Oh yeah, because some of you just don't LIKE him. Your "dislike" should be targeted at the NCAA and the petty display of terminology they use to describe their rules--"...failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance..." Sounds to me like illegally contacting a recruit with present players and alumni and asst. coaches doing the same (on the recruiting trail) is non-compliant while extra practice under quality control staff is secondary imo......Time for the NCAA to revise their stance or the rumor of "superconferences" and the NCAA being pushed aside could be on the horizon...... Go Blue

man of bluue

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 9:09 a.m.

kem, I agree 100% with your well stated note. I am solidly behind RR and DB and am looking forward to a good year that will surprise many. We will weather this and should see about 9-3 this fall. The University presidents should call for an investigation into the NCAA organizational structure, mission and approach. They have gotten way off the path of sanity. Go Blue!

kem

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 9:04 a.m.

@Bill: You must have forgotton that MSC was instrumental in bringing RR here as well. I think her being president at UM she knows what was doing when she hired RR and knew it would be a tough transition and knows more about what is going on with this situation than all of us on here combined.

kem

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 8:55 a.m.

Why would we want Les Miles after what he did to one of the student-athletes? Now that is someone who is shady Detroit Chris. But I understand why you would want him here considering his record in the SEC over the last couple of years.

Bill

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 8:52 a.m.

Time to cut the losses at U of M. Fire for cause with NO payout of the contract, then hire a real coach. Someone should try to reach Mary Sue at whatever Board of Director's meeting she may be attending, to let her know what is happening on campus.

DetroitChris2010

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 8:42 a.m.

I'm a Spartan, use that in your interpretation of my comments as you will. The UM family believed, rightly, for many years that the a clean program (or the outward perception of one) was their most valuable asset. Unfortunately, our society has decided that it's all about winning (and winning national championships) and it's not really about 'college' or 'amature' athletics or developing the character of young men. This has devided the UM family into two pools; 1. Win at any cost, and soon (or, "We're Michigan, We're supposed to win") 2. Win, if you can do it with integrity (or "We're Michigan, the great players will recognize what an honor it is to play here even if we don't give them money"). That division drove out Carr, places RR on a razors edge and makes the UM coaching job less attractive. However, there is nothing like an external threat to bring people together and maybe this will do it for the UM faithful, but I don't think so. UM needs to purge themselves of the whole experience, which might require sanctions or another bad season. Then they can find a Michigan Man that they can rally around to bring the program back. I agree with an earlier poster that Les Miles is an attractive option and more possible now that Alabama and Florida, and not LSU, are controlling the SEC. As a Spartan I think you should keep RR, - 6 wins and a mediocre bowl this year (hugely favorable schedule), - 5 wins next year (you can't get everyone at home every year and expanded Big 10 will mean fewer tomato cans for everyone). None of this implies that I think our football team will ascend to the top of the Big 10. PSU joined and has established themselves above us, and I suspect that Nebraska will do the same. If Iowa or Wisconsin can keep their momentum, that leaves us (and you) fighting for 5th or 6th! Did you hear about the two new top basketball recruits we got commits from yesterday? :)

Rabid Wolverine

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 8:23 a.m.

My response would still be that I'm a Rich Rod fan," Lipschutz said. "I think he's a great guy. I think he's a kind human being, been great for the program and I think the athletic department is doing everything it has to to maintain the integrity of Michigan football." ---------- And I would say you must be insane! There is no way he has been great for our program. Michigan's character has been dragged through mud from day 1 with this guy. Let the insanity end.

kem

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 8:12 a.m.

This issue about RR is overblown due to the fact that it is the job of both WVU and UM's compliance departments to interpret the rules and communicate those rules to RR. If you have done any research on the situation at WVU, the compliance director who was intervied last year stated RR was compliant with the rules while he was there. Also don't forget the fact that the current coach at WVU is under the same compliance director and is operating under the same rules that RR is being accused of. So the question is: How can RR be accused of the 'failure to promote...atmosphere' charge and he was not at WVU the last 2 years? Sounds like the compliance departments issue and not RR. Same issue at UM, you think RR just walked into the compliance director's office and said this is the way I'm going to do things and screw you? Of course he didn't. The compliance department (which was there when LC was coaching) interpreted the rules as they saw it and communicated this to RR which RR followed. That is why the compliance director was canned and not RR. The fact that this issued occurred at both schools by RR lets you know RR was doing what the compliance director/office thought was the proper interpretation of the rules. My conclusion on this situation is the NCAA will not impose any additional penalties against UM or RR. I understand that some of you just do not like RR due to personal reasons and some of you due to performance reasons, but in this case, let us look at this logically and isolate this from the performance on the field. Personally, I feel he is going in the right direction with this team and they are primed for a good year. Oh yeah, the link to the WVU article is below: http://dailymail.com/Sports/WVUSports/200909010003

frankweir

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 8:04 a.m.

I think it's interesting that the ncaa waits for exactly one week before the seattle hearings about UM to bust open these WV charges. Sure looks like the ncaa wants to destroy RR no matter what. Why the curious timing? To set RR up as a "repeat offender?" That's not right. They didn't have these suspicions months ago? Years ago? I bet RR will have a fantastic season this fall and this will ALL go away. I support him.

ironyinthesky2

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 7:53 a.m.

Hmmm, seems like most posters either like RR or dislike him and nothing is going to change that. We are all being judgmental and acting like we really know what happened, including the motivation for each violation. Whether considered major violations or not by us, the NCAA will soon make their decision and we will go on from there. Go Blue!

clownfish

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 7:43 a.m.

The big Question is: how do the rest of us get into this club of losers/cheats that then get paid more than most people make in their lives? Dominoes stock- $15 in 2007....$3.01 in 2010. Meanwhile Brandon makes millions and gets a new job as AD. RR- multiple rules violations (Don't agree to the rules, take the money and then whine about the rules!!) two LOSING seasons, including losses to virtual high school teams. Not only does he get a massive paycheck, he gets perks, freebies and hero worship, for not doing much. And people worship at the alters of these two gentlemen? More than anything I think this is a sad commentary on American ethos. As long as you are overpaid, people will love you. Call it Nardelli Syndrome.

bluemax79

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 7:12 a.m.

wow just WOW on the ncaa a guy like calapari who puts 2 schools on probation for recruiting violations gets nothing. Pete Carroll who bought players for years at usc gets nothing Rich Rod goes over practice time, too much streching like every other school and he is a Cheater in the ncaa's eyes??? just amazing and sad. the ncaa needs to be blown up and started over from scratch.

Brad

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 7:08 a.m.

"All it will take is winning and it will all be moot, anyway." Probably true and definitely pathetic. And actually pretty doubtful that he'll do much "winning".

annarbortownie

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 6:40 a.m.

Somewhat Concerned: Exactly. Smarmy is as smarmy does. This guy was smarmy from the get go. Even the hiring process was a mess. Rewind and start again.

heartbreakM

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 6:03 a.m.

"all it takes is winning"... That is the furthest thing from the truth for my personal perception in what I want in a coach. I personally don't care how many wins RR brings to the table this year. He has brought shame to my university in ways unimaginable 2.5 years ago that can never be overcome with wins. If it was only about winning, then cheating would be rampant. But with RR, I think we ought to heed Coach Joe Tiller who seemed to know something. I have stated from day one that I have concerns about RR as a Michigan coach, and he has done nothing but prove me right all along. Innovation??? HA! More like blurring the line between the "Michigan way" and the "Nixon" way.

ChelseaBob

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 5:53 a.m.

Edward R Murrow- You got it right. I don't care if RR goes undefeated, I want him gone. He doesn't understand class and tradition. We true blue fans always criticized other schools for winning by cheating. That's what made winning here so much sweeter. I don't want to join the Floridas and USCs. I want to be clean and beat them anyways!! Jimmy Harbaugh, time to come home.

GettingBluer

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 3:55 a.m.

RR ***-kissers seem to still be in denial here: (1) NCAA is corrupt (2) the cupboard was bare (3) rules don't matter (4) everyone breaks them (5) they were only minor infractions (6) this is the year for a magic turn-around (7) previous coaches were worse (8) everyone will forget when he starts winning (9) 34 straight bowl appearances are gone but we as SO much better off (10) he does so much for the community So, did I miss any? Fact: EVERY defensive stat has declined (not improved) in comparing subsequent RR years to previous RR years at Michigan (we won't even hold him up to previous coaches -- we only want him to be the best RR that he can be). Fact: 3 BT wins in 2 years Fact: Loss to Toledo. Toledo? It is an enormous leap to be in OSU competitive territory from a loss to Toledo. Fact: Departed players wind up being near the top in their positions (for instance, Mallet is rated #3 QB in NCAA, none of our replacement QBs are rated in the top 60) Fact: RR loves turmoil, that is why he won't choose a QB (some of you love that in that he states that all positions are open to competition -- while there is a little merit in that tactic, the problem with it is that you have nothing settled that you can build on, i.e., you have "bi-polar" football swinging this way and that with the breeze)

HailToASquared

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 1:11 a.m.

Not gonna lie.. ive been a rodriguez defender for a while but this is about enough. BUT- if i could choose the scenario i still would want him to be successful and for this stuff to all be over and done with by seasons end. I don't know if I believe that tho- and if he is fired sometime this year, I know I would be pretty pumped to see who replaces him and how this team is ran. They were just starting to get some of rodriguez's players experienced a bit.. they'd probably look for a middle ground between what offense they used to run and what they are doing now. Which would sound like Tate Forcier being QB and Denard playing slot receiver. then again, coaching changes bring transfers... *sigh* this is all a headache- it needs to be straightened out soon and get back to winning!

racerx

Fri, Aug 6, 2010 : 12:42 a.m.

Rich Rod will be gone after this season ends. This is not the Michigan way. His arrogance has been telling since day one. These are the same violations, so what's been learned?

man of bluue

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 11:55 p.m.

I hold three degrees from UM and have been a strong supporter of UM and its athletic programs for over thirty years. I think RR and DB are two of the best things that have happened to UM in some time. RR is an excellent coach and a hard working, loving, giving, kind man. His players love him, the player's parents love him, and he has done much for the community behind the scenes. Perhaps a fault is that he trusts others too much. Dave Brandon is an astute, intelligent human being and businessman, and operates in the tradition of Bo. I believe he understands well, the quality of man we have in Rich Rodriguez. Furthermore, I believe he understands the minimal import of the NCAA charges in the big picture, and that it is media hysteria that has made it seem more than it is long term. He will never say so but I believe he also sees the ineptness and ineffectual approach of the NCAA. We will weather this storm and Rich Rod will have a long and successful career at Michigan. I look forward to it with great anticipation. It should be a good year. Go Blue

Jed I Knight

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 11:02 p.m.

"Personally, I think most of the RichRod supporters at this point are MSU and OSU fans, delighted at what he's done to our program." - Look; I'm and MSU fan and I take no joy in the destruction of the institution that is/was UM Football.

cutty240

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 10:55 p.m.

I saw where someone said Les Miles.He will get fired at LSU this year so he will looking for a job.I read the letter sent to WVU,and it said Could Be Major Violations,as i'm sure it says the same thing to Michigan also.The NCAA is such a joke.They make Billion, and i mean BIllions off these players.Then they want to be so High and Mighty,and say there are getting to much coaching.They let agents come and go as the please.These things have been happening in Major college football for the last 25 years.If you could pay for a GA you could have one.What a Joke.Hell nowadays you have to have more compliance people than coaches.It never ends.

Macabre Sunset

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 10:36 p.m.

I'm not going anywhere. And if RichRod somehow pulls together eight wins, I will happily admit I was wrong. But he needs at least eight wins, maybe as many as ten, to avoid putting together the worst three seasons in Michigan history. Question: will all his blind supporters admit they were wrong when he continues to flail with all his gimmickry in an elite conference? Personally, I think most of the RichRod supporters at this point are MSU and OSU fans, delighted at what he's done to our program.

GoblueinNE_PA

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 10:31 p.m.

This "Show Cause" order thing is what we need to keep an eye on. If RR gets hit with it, and I think he will, then he'll be gone no matter how well the team performs. We'll not be able to keep a coach like that on at Michigan. I suspect it will be all academic as 4 or 5 wins is about all we can expect. As for artichoke and the rest of the RR water carriers, you can count on me being here for the foreseeable future. I wonder if the same will be said of you when the new coach is introduced in January, hmmm?

Artichoke

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 9:45 p.m.

Excellent idea, TrueBlue. After we win 8 or 9 or even 10 this year, most of these folks will miraculously vanish from annarbor.com -- by either retreating to the safety of their MSU or OSU booster sites, or changing names and claiming they were "All in For Michigan" from day one.

BillMK

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 9:44 p.m.

Sad. These are trivial violations, compared to much of what happens. Moreover, the rule itself is silly. Many fulltime students spend FAR more than 20 hours at their jobs, including law, dental, and grad students; even med students, typically with 60 to 80 hour weeks, may have jobs besides. But rules are rules, and patterns matter, even if the substance is chicken manure. Consequences ensue. RR is a trickster, as Yost was. He offends some people in the same way Yost did, and for some of the same reasons(origin, accent, a belief that creating history is as important as revering it, etc.). And RR is being hounded, as happens to people who P.O. others. That being the case, he shouldn't have led with his chin. Yost was difficult (and a racist), but he covered his rear by winning. Withal, an eight-win season keeps him - and it should. More than enough will have been made of this affair, and RR will have learned how to negotiate life in A2. And if he leaves, he will leave behind a roster of talent for 21st-century football - and some discomfited toffs who need discomfiture.

stunhsif

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 9:44 p.m.

@classof81, So you have donated more to the u of m than all other posters here combined? What are you trying to tell us? I would do anything right now but brag about that right! Money does not buy brains folks.

Jaxon5

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 9:39 p.m.

Kilroy's post - should be deleted because it is a complete fabrication. Iggy's post - Of course Coach Tressel would come to Coach RR's defense, because it means a continued OSU win streak as long as things are status quo at Michigan. In general - How bad is it when you break the rules to gain advantage and still lose 13 Big Ten games in two years, while winning only 3?

classof81

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 9:23 p.m.

I am sure that i have sent more money to the university than all of the posters combined. My first call in the AM will be to DB to discuss our options.my personel feeling is that RR will contiue to be the univerisiy's football coach for the forseable future. GO BLUE!!!

azwolverine

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 9:10 p.m.

lumberg, If 8-5 saves him, it shows that Michigan isn't taking the allegations as seriously as we should expect them to. I would think that, if UM truly takes the allegations seriously and want to show the world that we are clean, they will fire him for cause regardless of record. If they keep him due to a certain number of wins regardless of the NCAA hammer that comes down, than they are selling out, imo.

trespass

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 8:07 p.m.

The next scandal- UM is not selling enough of the luxury boxes to cover the interest on the bonds. Where will they get the money to make up the difference? Higher ticket prices? Pull more fund raising away from the endowment? Use general funds (raise tuition)?

Karl

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 7:36 p.m.

Here we go again!!! last year it was the same, just before football season this crap came out and nothing "x practices"is all they came up with. Get lost, Michigan is the winnes program in a-1 and alot of people would love to see this program fall... Not so fast!!! we r back, in 29 days this program will make a statement... Go Blue!!!! Go get em coach.

OSUbeBetter

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 7:23 p.m.

This guy has one more Big Ten victory than he has NCAA investigations.

MetricSU

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 7:09 p.m.

truebluefan: Whatever happens in 3 1/2 months will not change the (apparent) fact that RR committed the same violations at WVU and UM. Even if UM goes 10-2 the fact will remain that he cheated. Now, if you are saying people won't care if RR goes 10-2 then I agree. I also agree that UM might have a pretty good year (say, 8-4). There is good talent on the team right now and it seems to be talent RR feels comfortable with. Further, it's hard to believe UM could be down for more than a few years. After all, UM has every advantage in terms of resources and tradition. For MSU fans, we are enjoying the drama because it was unexpected a couple of years ago. And there is a small chance RR drags the program down even further. I don't think it will happen, but it can. At a minimum, UM football is now just like every other program: it cheats and its fans then go into denial.

lefty48197

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 7:06 p.m.

"Somewhat Confused" put it best: Let's go back to being Michigan - winning, with class. I grew up with Bo Schembechler's Michigan Football. I always took pride in knowing that Michigan retained high standards both academic and personal conduct standards. All of that has been tossed out the window with Rich Rod. Combine that with the two worst Michigan football seasons in about 50 years and I'm convinced that Rich should be fired today.

BornInA2

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 6:40 p.m.

@kilroy: Yes, because the media just LOVED Carr because he was so warm toward and inclusive of them (NOT). Let's not rewrite history here: Media and many fans celebrated with TurdRod showed up because he allowed so much more media access.

kilroy

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 6:32 p.m.

Rich Rodriguez is getting a bad rap. He is not a dirty coach. The last guy was the dirty coach-- he just never got caught-- and the insiders around town know the whole story. The media has for some reason decided not to report the true story on the last guy, allowing a gullible public to think he was "a class act" as he sails into the "retirement" sunset.

truebluefan

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 6:21 p.m.

I am going to print out all the comments on this article, put them away for 3-1/2 months, then retrieve it again at the end of the 2010 season. It's going to be interesting to see who will be man enough to keep their screen name.

coachcookeAZ

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 6:13 p.m.

to aarox replying to yourself the best commentary of them all. It is time for RR to go before his behaviors make it worse.

truebluefan

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 6:12 p.m.

3 and out - for most people, "good" things in the sports world are wins, pure and simple. You ask for me to give you ONE good thing that's happened in the RR era. It's a trap because we haven't had a winning season yet. If you partially measure the worth of a coach in things he does for people off the field, which I'm sure you don't at all, then you'll be pleased with RR (Brock Mealer, spring game popularity and proceeds going to charity, etc).

truebluefan

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 6:06 p.m.

3 and out - you are partially correct. NOW Michigan's program is loaded with talent, albeit young talent.

Joe Hood

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 5:55 p.m.

Did Les Miles sell his house in Ann Arbor, is there still a chance?

3 And Out

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 5:40 p.m.

trueblue... blind hero worship is not my thing...just calling it as it is...the entire Rich Rod Error has been a disaster for Michigan from Day 1. No one in their right minds can count 5 great things that have happened in this Error. Heck...I challenge you to find 1. So for you to recommend that sane fans and legacy alums like myself go find another program is not only short-sighted on your part, it is also dismissive of the truth and rather arrogant of you to say...no offense. Rich Rod is bad for Michigan and 8 wins this year (which wont happen) is frankly not enough in the 3rd year of this historic program that is loaded with talent.

Somewhat Concerned

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 5:40 p.m.

We have had great seasons and mediocre seasons and some lousy seasons. We have gone to good bowl games, minor bowl games and no bowl games. What we used to have was the earned right to hold our heads proudly about being a reputable program that valued class. What we used to have was the right to be proud to be Michigan, no matter what happened against Ohio State or Notre Dame. Rodriguez hasn't destroyed that. We destroyed that by hiring a guy with his reputation and by making excuses for a guy with his reputation. He did some winning at West Virginia, but they're a place that didn't care about reputation or class. We are a place that used to care. Fire the guy, and fire the new Athletic Director for not firing the guy. Let's go back to being Michigan - winning, with class.

truebluefan

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 5:33 p.m.

The usual suspects are OMG PANICKING!!! (nobowl4blue, scooter dog, 3 and out, murrow's ghost). My advice to you is relax. We'll get 8 wins this season and this will be in the rearview mirror. If you just can't stand Rich as the head coach, well, I hear the Spartan and Buckeye bandwagons have some room for you!

3 And Out

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 5:32 p.m.

aarox... no offense to your buddies but they must be living under rocks... any infractions from the NCAA are more than "minor" and the fact that everyone may be doing it...is not relevant...and the argument that winning will just solve this issue...is becoming less and less of a valid argument with each passing day. If/When Michigan is penalized with loss of practice time and possible scholarships as well as ensuing probationary period... well that is a HUGE punishment for a football program that has never had to deal with such a thing before. Note my innovative use of the word "ensuing" which normally has the word "kickoff" following it.

3 And Out

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 5:28 p.m.

Tresspass....I dont agree that UM is "hiding" the guy that left....he left on his own volition and was probably going to be forced out anyway. He also made his statement to the NCAA and is done with the situation...so for you to insinuate that UM is "Hiding" him...well you are far off base and probably show your biases as a fan of some other school with that statement. That said, I do agree with you that the NCAA wants Rich Rod punished and that UM will probably bear the brunt of that punishment once its all said and done, unfortunately.

aarox

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 5:26 p.m.

Responding to myself, I have messages from my fellow Wolverines telling me that (1) the infractions are minor, (2) the NCAA is stupid, (3) everyone else does it, and (4) as long as RR wins nobody cares. Just my $0.02: (1) nonsense, (2) irrelevant, (3) nonsense AND irrelevant, (4) I give us more credit than that.

Just Blue

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 5:23 p.m.

Here we go again, it never stops with this guy. Shady staff, shady recruits, shady real estate deals, losses upon losses, single handedly ruining the reputation of a university sports program ( or is it 2 programs). Go back to the rock you climbed out from under pal, and take your buddies with you so my once great and honorable football team can return some day soon.

aarox

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 5:18 p.m.

Anybody want to rationalize why this is going to be different from Kelvin Sampson? (Sampson violated rules at Oklahoma and ran to Indiana before they could put the handcuffs on. They caught up with him in Indiana and gave him a 5-year sentence.) I don't know of any coach facing NCAA sanctions at THREE universities simultaneously, so unless someone knows better, we have tied another NCAA collegiate record. Go Blue!

trespass

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 4:52 p.m.

Isn't it interesting that the head of football operations left the UM to become an administrator at Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Which regent has connections at BC/BS?) and will not have to testify to the infractions committee? Why is UM hiding him? Can't you see that the NCAA wants RR punished? If the UM does not do it themselves, the NCAA will punish UM.

Howard the Duck

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 4:33 p.m.

I'm waiting for tater to put this in the proper prospective.

GBUCKS!

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 4:11 p.m.

These allegations are committed by each D-1 school in some form or fashion. I think this is ultimately a result of player transfers for Rich-Rod not promoting a "Family" or "Team" value culture. The NCAA hears this and starts investigating then lowers the Boom! He's done & U of M should move on sooner than later.

maizenbluedoc

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 3:58 p.m.

I have always given RR the benefit of doubt regarding his indiscretions and alleged charges, but either he is involved in wrongdoing or people are out to destroy him. Why does a NCAA investigation take so long to conclude? It isn't fair to the other coaches, players, administration,and fans to have a protracted investigation. I say, get on with it and allow the responsible people make a decision. Dragging this along throughout the season is not good for all parties involved. The NCAA needs to get its act together and stop this insanity. By the delaying tactics, RR is considered guilty until proven otherwise, and that isn't right.

michboy40

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 3:41 p.m.

I'm not sure how this news effects RR's current standing at Michign. We all know that he's been doing it for years in WV and UM. Many programs are doing the same thing, or at least were. I have a feeling that every team in the big ten had to go back and change the way they document practice, and probably had to give guys new titles to fit with NCAA rules. Bottom line, we win and the haters shut their pie holes, we keep loosing and the haters get so loud that DB has to make the change. I feel bad for WV and UM for being made the scape goat of the NCAA. The NCAA is infinatly more corrupt than the Coachs and AD's and they should be dissolved!

Ignatz

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 3:22 p.m.

Another version of a bunch of nothing. Crimeny, even Tressel came to RR's defense. Unfortunately, it's more fodder for those who do not support Michigan's current coach and therefore, team.

3 And Out

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 3:10 p.m.

Unfortunately for Rich Rod, perception is reality especially in this day and age of the internet tossing news around like Jake Long on blocking dummies. The baggage that Rich Rod has brought to The University of Michigan, real or not, is perceived by most as being true...and there has been a LOT of baggage. 7-16+1 record aside... it appears that the Rich Rod error is soon to implode and a new beginning will be established for the UM program.

braggslaw

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 3:09 p.m.

complete train-wreck, three big 10 wins in two years. NCAA violations Certain to be fired after this year.

Kubrick66

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 3:04 p.m.

Charley... I'll say it again... Every school should be investigated for these "Major Violation." Obviously all it takes is a few accusations from the local "rag" to insight injury. Beyond my opinion, the University itself has stepped up and admitted guilt. I personally wouldn't have gone so quietly into the night.

lumberg48108

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 3:01 p.m.

They made a mistake in hiring him - they know that. We know that! Everyone knows that. They hired him in a panic because they were turned down by two other candidates - they rushed a hire! It happens... it happened at U-M! He is as good as gone though unless they win 7 games and a bowl - I think 8-5 will save him - but they have to improve and get to a decent bowl game - not the weedeater humanitarian emerald Sanya Bowl... get someplace warm on New Years and win - his job is saved.... othewise- they have to cut ties with him! And to think we could have hired Brian Kelly years ago -- tow BCS games with Cincinatti and now he will rebuild Notre Dame.

scooter dog

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 2:48 p.m.

The blue machine needs to sever ties with this guy now and admit you made a mistake in hiring him and MOVE ON. End of problem Or stick it out and god only knows what is comming down the pipe

Charley Sullivan

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 2:47 p.m.

Kubrick: If everyone is breaking and entering houses, and you're the one who gets caught, that everyone else is doing it isn't a defense. The rules, that every coach in the NCAA has to pass a test on every year, were and remain beyond clear in this area. Not even a question of a doubt about it.

Kubrick66

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 2:44 p.m.

The real "Major Violation" RR committed was opening the program up to the local media. This stuff happens at every school, every year, under ever single coach. Fort Schembechler where have you gone!

Kubrick66

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 2:37 p.m.

Sunset... That may be the case... Which means the NCAA should do spot checks at every school. Then lets see what happens.

MetricSU

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 2:36 p.m.

So let me get this straight. Having graduate assistants (or "quality control" coaches, as they were called at UM) improperly supervising workouts and intervening to help with technique is a "minor" violation and provides no competitive edge. Is that what Kubrik, Macbre, and Forever are saying? Hmmm. One wonders, then, why RR has allowed it, if not encouraged it. But these are some of the same posters who repeated, over and over again, that the NCAA investigation was "just about a little extra practice time." Perhaps now you'll remember the full swath of the investigation, and that UM admitted to 4 of the 5 charges. It's hard to see how UM will defend itself in claiming that RR did promote an atmosphere of compliance. The NCAA may come down hard on UM for that.

NoBowl4Blue

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 2:36 p.m.

As Gomer Pyle might say SURPRIZE SURPRIZE SURPRIZE......You so called followers of your king convinced yet?

Somewhat Concerned

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 2:34 p.m.

Failing to promote an atmosphere of compliance sounds just like Rodriguez at WVU and now at UM. Some guys try to promote an atmosphere of compliance but trip over a minor infraction or an alumnus who tries too hard. Other guys see compliance as a hindrance.

Forever27

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 2:25 p.m.

@Macrabe, the only reason these are considered "Major Violations" is because of the ubiquitous "Failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance" charge. This can be inserted into any and all violations be them major or minor. It's over-used and only put in there to elevate the level of the charges to "Major" status for yes, petty infractions.

Macabre Sunset

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 2:04 p.m.

The thing is, Kubrick, that all 120 FBS schools agree to play by the same rules. All 120 FBS schools have signed a document which indicates that these are major violations. So while they may seem petty, it's still cheating to violate them. Much like grabbing an extra $5 from the Monopoly bank when no one is looking. That $5 likely has no bearing on the final outcome, but I wouldn't enjoy playing someone who felt that was necessary. Obviously, far too late to get rid of Coach Wretched for this season, but I would be amazed if he's still around four months from now.

Kubrick66

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 1:47 p.m.

Whereas violations have obviously occurred under RR at both schools, the pettiness of said violations continues to astound. Can the phrase "Major Violation" ever be more overstated? The NCAA is a joke.

Booradley

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 1:45 p.m.

Son of a sea cook. No wonder we can't win.

Somewhat Concerned

Thu, Aug 5, 2010 : 1:43 p.m.

You hire a guy with a shifty reputation, you often get a shifty guy. We were known as a winning program. Then we were known as an over-rated program. We are going to be known as a dirty program.