One day later, Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio defends Jim Tressel comments

On Thursday at the Big Ten media days, Dantonio was asked about the plight of his longtime friend and colleague Jim Tressel, who was forced to resign as Ohio State coach this summer after it was revealed he had covered up an alleged memorabilia-for-gifts scheme among several current and former players.

Dantonio defended his friend, which was expected. Then he called Tressel a “tragic hero,” which was not. It created a buzz here, despite it being the last comment of a more than three-hour media session with the Big Ten coaches.

Longtime Michigan radio broadcaster Jim Brandstatter weighed in on Twitter. He had some strong words for Dantonio.

“When is lying to your boss, to the NCAA heroic,” tweeted Brandstatter, who has more than 1,200 followers. “Is it heroic to teach young men that wrong isn’t wrong unless you get caught? Gimme a break.”

On Friday, Dantonio was asked if he had heard Brandstatter’s comments.

“Who? What did he say?” Dantonio asked.

After Brandstatter’s comments were relayed, Dantonio was dismissive.

"But I know I'm going to be criticized. I figured I would be, but that's OK. It wouldn't be the first time."

Brandstatter played football at Michigan from 1969-71, and was a two-time all-Big Ten performer. He appeared in two Rose Bowls.

He now is a color commentator for the Wolverines and Detroit Lions.

Dantonio was an assistant with Ohio State from 2001-03 before becoming head coach at Cincinnati. He said his relationship with Tressel dates to the early 1980s, and called him a “mentor.”

“Very heart-wrenching for me and my family because we’re so close to Coach Tres,” Dantonio said Thursday when asked about the scandal in Columbus. “Every person he’s come in contact with as a player and a coach, he’s made a positive impact on their lives.

“To me, it’s tragic. He becomes a tragic hero in my respect, in my view. Usually, tragic heroes have the ability to rise above it all in the end, and that’s what I’ll look for in the end.”

-- Greg Johnson of The Grand Rapids Press contributed to this article.

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

Jaxon5

Sun, Jul 31, 2011 : 7:06 p.m.

Never burn your bridges, right coach? "Tragic Hero"? How about "Tragic Zero"?

tulsatom

Sun, Jul 31, 2011 : 12:37 p.m.

I usually like and respect Dantonio for turning the MSU program around and I even respect his loyalty to his old boss Tressel but to defend Tressel's actions and call him a "tragic hero" is way too much to stomach. He sounds like a current OSU assistant who is lobbying to be the OSU head coaching position rather than the current MSU coach who should be standing up for the rules of the game. To say he doesn't know who Brandstatter is is totally disingenuous, too, unless he commutes to East Lansing from Columbus and doesn't watch or listen to Detroit-area media.

reknedrog36

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 4:25 p.m.

Mark Dantonio showed his true character when he immediately reinstated Chris L.. Rucker, an MSU defensive back, who had been incarcerated for eight days on a charge of driving while intoxicated, reduced to reckless driving on a plea bargain.. Rucker had been on probation for an earlier charge for assault for his role in an on-campus fight. On his release Dantonio stated that he "would have done nothing different [sic]." This is just another example of a coach putting his football needs ahead of good judgment. Would Bo and Carr have done the same?

Trisha

Sun, Jul 31, 2011 : 3:11 p.m.

I agree. When Dantonio speaks, I turn off the television. That's how much his "insights" and his "integrity" mean to me...not to mention his character. He is a hypocrite and a snake. I actually feel sorry for msu at this point. Their coach is very questionable on and off the field. Good luck with that Spartan fans.

Blu-dogg97

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 6:11 p.m.

agreed Rek..don't forget about Mr. Winston that sucker punched an msu hockey player/student from behind in the dark,the kid could no longer play sports,and suffers today with neurological problems .. when released from jail,he was back on the team.. real class act there..

Terrin Bell

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 1:38 p.m.

I am OK with what Tressel did and I am a big Michigan fan. First, the Ohio players violated an arguably stupid NCAA rule that prohibits them from profiting from memorabilia. The weren't caught cheating in a way that would help them win games. They didn't steal the memorabilia. Nothing they did put their competitors at a disadvantage. Further, these guys can't work. So in my mind, the players violation in my mind was relatively minor. The called for suspension extreme. Are you guys really going to tell me you never violated a rule? How many people drove over the speed limit today, or where drinking your coffee when driving? Second, once Tressel found out about the violations he was placed in an awkward situation. Considering the relatively small violation not related to game play, does he rat his young players out thereby getting his whole team (even those not violating the rule) and University in trouble? Most people would struggle with how to handle the situation. Ultimately, he shouldn't have lied to his employer when asked about the matter, yet I can understand why he did. The guy obviously cares for his players. Further, he taught classes at Ohio State, donated lots of money to the community, and spoke up for Michigan when it was found to have violated other NCAA rules (that actually do effect performance on the field). Michigan's violations were worst, and Michigan's coach kept his job and there were no player suspensions (rightfully so I might add). Finally, who wants to beat Ohio State without Tressel at the helm? The victory will feel hollow. Michigan players have even said as much.

Mick52

Sun, Jul 31, 2011 : 9:26 p.m.

I can't see how you call it a minor violation. Amateur players are not allowed to make money on their status as college athletes. I think it could be debatable as to whether or not if affected play. I think a player with fewer monetary issues might play better than one who worries about it. Also, in my past as an investigator what you often find is that if a person cheats, steals and is dishonest in a particular area, they very often are the same in other areas.

Trisha

Sun, Jul 31, 2011 : 3:06 p.m.

You must have read the sweater vests book regarding Integrity. What a joke.

Tru2Blu76

Sun, Jul 31, 2011 : 3:15 a.m.

I see your points but disagree regardless: this isn't about moral "relativism" it's about following rules and owning up. Michigan owned up and paid a price. Rodriguez made many mistakes and the one fatal to his career was that he embarrassed Michigan by drawing its first-ever NCAA penalty. NO ONE embarrasses Michigan: not because they're vindictive but because they put so much effort (including risking their reputation) to stay as clean as possible while still having a successful athletics program. Ohio State, by contrast, has now drawn TWO violations which directly caused the firing of their coach - Hayes and Tressel. I doubt (a lot) that "missing" the chance to beat Tressel will cause lasting regret. Beating Ohio State is all that counts, all that will ever count in this greatest of all college football rivalries.

Blu-dogg97

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 6:18 p.m.

20 mins too much of practice time! was the violation at Michigan,and the coach did lose his job..lets get your facts straight before spouting off here.. thats worse than the 10 yrs of Tressel ,cheating ,lies,and payoffs.. come on dude!! I'd like to debate the fact you say your a big Michigan fan! I'm guessing your a bucks fan in disguise !!

ChelseaBob

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 11:40 a.m.

Things are back to normal. Michigan will beat OSU and MSU and do it without cheating. Our kids will be taught to do things the right way, and we'll be damned proud of it. We are accused of thinking we're better than everyone else. That isn't quite accurate. We KNOW we are better than everyone else. It's essentially the old story of good versus evil. Tressel has crawled back under a rock somewhere and dantonio is next. It's enlightening to see the bugie, the MSU fan on this site, doesn't even get the moral implications of what tressel did.

Tru2Blu76

Sun, Jul 31, 2011 : 3:05 a.m.

I wish I could vote for your post 50 times - but picky Old AnnArbor.com won't let me. (Hah!) You are hitting the nail on the head - as many of us Michigan supporters will testify. And that applies to "snooty Ann Arbor" as well when it comes to envious sarcasms directed at us (residents). We are so lucky to have a city this good (compared to anywhere else in Michigan) and a university whose "brand" is literally recognized throughout the world.

shipdog7

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 9:49 a.m.

Why is it okay for college coaches to make politically uncorrect statements, and yet players are warned by same coaches that the eye of the media is always upon them so be careful of comments you make? My understanding is that college athletes are briefed on player conduct during meetings at the beginning of every new season. So what you are reading here is that it is okay for coaches to break or bend the rules. That they should be idolized because of their affect as mentors on young impressionable men to be. While Tressel had done an incredible job at Ohio State, we are supposed to look the other way when coach lies about boundaries that were crossed? Winning is everything !!!! Just ask Charlie Sheen !!!!

treetowncartel

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 4:05 a.m.

Mark Dantonio and Jim Tressel are dead to me. Anybody know if Michigan Replay is bringing back the old theme song?

Tru2Blu76

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 3:38 a.m.

Dantonio, as would be expected from an OHIO MAN, is letting us know (finally) why he's lasted so long at Michigan State Pris... "University." He's sooo good at covering up (except the 20 or 30 times he couldn't cover up the brawls, thefts, assaults and arsons committed by his players) because his "hero" is none other than the infamous Jim Tressel. Oh, I mean "Coach Tres" - that must be the name applied when Tressel sheds his manly sweater vest and digs out his drag queen wardrobe. Of course Dantonio doesn't know who Jim Brandstatter is: his life is centered around Columbus, OH and "East" Lansing, MI: those two "beautiful" metropolises we all want to visit some day. Har-dee-har. By the way, Mark, where does YOUR 2012 recruiting class rank right now? Did you know, Mark, that the actual ancient Spartans had a rule: a boy couldn't become a man until he'd snuck out in the night and murdered an enslaved human being? True fact, Mark, that's your "Spartan" tradition and image shining through. That gives real meaning to the phrase: Getting away with murder.

Steve

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 3:14 a.m.

Gotta love how Dantonio doesn't even address the actual comment that Brandstatter made - he just sidesteps his way around the actual issue by trying to attack the guy who said it. Maybe Brandstatter hasn't had a "meaningful" relationship with college players, Mark, but what sort of relationship has Tressel had with college players? He's taught them that winning is everything, that cheating is okay unless you get caught, that telling the truth doesn't matter as long as you can continue supporting the lie you're telling. Yet Dantonio's take on Tressel is "Every person he's come in contact with as a player and a coach, he's made a positive impact on their lives." Positive impact? Creating an atmosphere where lying and cheating are acceptable is a positive impact? Wonder how long it will be before MSU gets caught up in the same sort of trouble because of this guy?

barnz378

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 3:05 a.m.

Why does he react to former players and guys like Mike Hart? He acts like he is above all the crap yet he swoops to locker room drama. Just shut up like most coaches would do. You got other things to worry about.

towny

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 3 a.m.

One cheating coach trying to defend another that's all. Just fuel the fire Coach Dantonio real smart on your end. Tragic Hero. What a lie. He cheated all along just this time he got caught. Probably showed you some tricks to huh Coach D.

Theo's Brother

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 1:28 a.m.

Tressel and Dantonio = Canseco and McGwire

Ron Granger

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 1:26 a.m.

Well, then, maybe Dantonio can hire Tressel to advise the Spartans on ethics. Or, maybe Tressel can work with Spartan law school alumnus Kwame Kilpatrick. Together they can open the Spartan School of Ethics.

joe golder

Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 10:39 p.m.

He's just kissing up for a shot at his buddy's old job!

mojo

Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 9:40 p.m.

I suppose players break the regulations all the time -seeing that the regulations are hip deep with do-do. I am sure the NCAA is just devastated because some player practiced an extra 45 minutes on Tuesday and needs to have his scholarship pulled - or perhaps some other player traded an autograph for $300 and a tattoo and his coach needed to be fired. How about jail time??

tater

Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 9:35 p.m.

There's nothing "tragic" about a near-million dollar severance package. There is also nothing "tragic" about Tressel's reason for leaving being changed to "retirement." That makes him eligible for a nice pension from the state of Ohio based on the time he cheated...oops, I meant "worked," at two state universities. As for Saint Dantonio, he knows full and well who Jim Brandstatter is. His phrasing was just the latest in a long series of insults to the University of Michigan. Now that the personnel at Michigan is almost back to what it is before Lloyd Carr told as many people as he could to leave the program, Saint Dantonio is about to feel the sting of losing to Michigan on a yearly basis again. Michigan has a majority of upperclassmen in the starting lineup this year, and even with the scheme change, should be able to beat Sparty handily. Besides, MSU got a lot of breaks last year, and those things have a way of evening out. Combine that with all of the people they lost, and Saint Dantonio is about to get a reality check. MSU will be a .500 team at best this year, even with their easy non-conference schedule. They should have an auto-loss to Notre Dame this year, and could easily be upset by Central again or even FAU if Sparty's ego isn't checked in at the gate.

Jarhead

Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 9:17 p.m.

@ bogie; This article isn't about wins and losses. It is about Dantonio defending Tressel and his lack of integrity. And that is the issue here....Integrity. There seems to be less and less in our society in general and it is really showing in the sports industry. I will never believe that for all these years at OSU that only Tressel arranged, knew, and covered the transgressions going on. You better believe the assitant coaches knew as well as the administration. But all supporters will turn a blind eye if they have a winning team. And the current coach (Luke) was an assitant. Hmmmm Coaches are not heroes, neither are the players, its entertainment, and big money fuels it. Bradstatter played for Bo. And back in Woody and Bo's day, Integrity was first and formost, and that is what the Michigan faithful are expectingly wanting from Coach Hoke and his staff. The wins will come in time.

Trisha

Sun, Jul 31, 2011 : 2:53 p.m.

What an excellent response Jarhead. I appreciate a response that shows INTEGRITY. I agree with your opinion 100%. This response is inspiring. GO BLUE!

Wally the Wolverine

Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 8:48 p.m.

I love my Wolverines as much as the next UM fan, but I'm seeing a lot of hatred directed toward a guy that appears to try to run a program on the right side of the NCAA rules. What does that say about us?

Mick52

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 6:53 p.m.

To be fair, Blue, many Michigan players have been arrested and taken back too, including one Brian Griese who threw something through a bar window. (I think it was an MSU player). Where I always felt msu erred was its typical habit of "waiting to see what would happen in court," instead of an instant suspension.

Blue Marker

Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 9:28 p.m.

Wally, Have you any idea how many players have been arrested (and then taken back) at MSU since MD took over? Glen Winston put a fellow student in the hospital with head injuries. Was convicted, served time and then was back on the team the next fall. While that may not be an NCAA violation it's certainly not the program I would hold up as "the right side of the NCAA rule".

Lorain Steelmen

Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 8:47 p.m.

Keeping it real....for years now, when the Wolves are on the road, I'll turn on the tube , turn the sound down, and pick up the game, on the radio, with play by plan, with Beckman and Brandstatter. It's great commentary, and Brando does a great job on the details and situation. He's actually lived it. You're just dumping on him because he's probably a lansing kid, that got away from Duffy. And he doesn't mince words when it comes to msu.

Terry Star21

Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 8:44 p.m.

I agree with many here, dantonio coached with tressel a few years and now defends him for lying and cheating - maybe the NCAA should take a good look at the msu program. It has been said tressel has done some positive things, but when you have a long time pattern of cheating and lying, or even one instance - all that goes away instantly, and more importantly supporting that behavior hurts oneself; dantonio, shut it ! You have enough to worry about preparing for the Big Blue Machine this year and the panic in east lansing that is spreading. PS...If you don't believe dantonio is a proven liar; "I don't even know who that guy is," Dantonio said. Yea, right !

KeepingItReal

Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 8:11 p.m.

Brandstatter. Stick to that Brand, I mean bland commentary you do on radio No one wants your opinion on anything else.

Mick52

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 6:49 p.m.

I do. He's great on the radio. His books are great too. You should buy them. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Michigan-Stadium-Jim-Brandstatter/dp/1582613532" rel='nofollow'>http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Michigan-Stadium-Jim-Brandstatter/dp/1582613532</a> I guess Dantonio needs copies too. Take care of that will ya?

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 7:15 p.m.

Tells us much about Dantonio's moral compass. Maybe the NCAA ought to pay a visit to M-S-Moooooooooooooooooooooooo? Good Night and Good Luck

scott

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 1:28 p.m.

@mmppcc 1. Almost none of those schools are agricultural colleges 2. it's the internet, get over yourself a little bit

mmppcc

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 1:53 a.m.

Murrow: I've enjoyed reading your comments on political articles for a while, and I find them quite insightful. It's a shame to see you sink to name calling (MSMoo), especially regarding something so trivial. By the way, I would think someone with your obvious education would realize agricultural colleges, such as the Big Ten's, U-Minnesota, U-Wisconsin, U-Illinios, Purdue, Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan State, and now, U-Nebraska are excellent institutions.

bluemax79

Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 6:35 p.m.

pretty obvious that dantonio is OK with what tressell did since he helped him do it back at Youngstown State and at osu. won't surprise me when the day comes and it is foudn out they are doing hte same things at msu that the vest did at osu. the rotten apple doesn't fall far from the tree. tressell is nothing more than a cheat and a liar.

Lorain Steelmen

Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 6:26 p.m.

I remember when Dantonio, a grown man, and HC, got into verbal confrontation with Michael Hart, a 20 year old kid, at the time. Dantonio looked bad then, and he hasn't grown up any in the years since! Good for Brandstatter. Tell it like it is big Jim! Meanwhile, I want to know what did Dantonio know, and when did he know it? As a DC at osu, Mark knew, or should have known, what was going on........and what little tricks did he take with him, from osu to msu......

Hailmary

Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 6:25 p.m.

I don't blame Mark for defending his mentor but, for gods sake quit being naive.

Bogie

Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 6:25 p.m.

I like these stories. They bring out the disgruntled Michigan football followers of yesteryear. Yes, Bo was a great man of integrity- he learned well from his mentor, Woody Hayes. The funny thing is, why would Dantonio know Brandstatter? I didn't even know he played for Michigan until just now. I don't think it was a dig at UofM, but rather a true statement. All my previous commentator should note- both the coaches mentioned in this article have a .900 to 1.000 winning pct against your beloved program. I think that they have earned the respect of wolverine followers. Hoke? He could be Bo resurrected, but it is premature to be talking about Dantonio "needing rope to hang himself. With a program (with NCAA violations of it's own) that has lose to schools like Toledo, and App state; I think all of you are standing on a very little crickety soapboxes.

Blu-dogg97

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 6:01 p.m.

Bogey if you don't know that Brandy played football for Bo your NOT a Michigan fan !! just saying..

eagleman

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 4:27 a.m.

Your math is off regarding Dantonio. He has won 3 of 4 vs UM. That is a 75 percent winning percentage. MSU has lost to CMU three times, won 10 or games twice in 40 years, has won only 30 games out of 100 vs UM, and won the Big Ten three times in 30 years. Of the two, MSU has the far weaker box to stand on.

barnz378

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 3:14 a.m.

Dantonio seems like a decent Big Ten coach, he just looks like an idiot when he "reacts" to pokes from media about Michigan. The media never brings up things about Bielien and Izzo. There is just this football thing that State sees with Michigan. Years and years of it. The "Big House " thing, the nationial recruiting thing, this whole thing of playing in the shaddow of UM. Even winning the last three years has not changed that perception cause UM didn't really beat anybody under RR. Then they have the balls to change coaching. If the media would just quit egging Dantonio on.

TheInfamousOne

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 2:24 a.m.

To make it clear about the "rope" statement. It's just another way of saying "let him keep running his mouth" Dantonio seems to wear his emotions on his sleeve from time to time, eventually it will be "Open mouth, Insert Foot". It's obvious he's trying to stay on top in the state of Michigan. He understands he has a competitive rival in Ann Arbor with recruiting etc. Let's hope he stays healthy this year because there are only so many times you can pull off "Let's win one for the gipper" before it loses it's affect.

riverraisin

Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 9:49 p.m.

I forget.... How many years in a row did Sparty lose to Central Michigan???

Will Warner

Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 6:20 p.m.

Even though Bandy apparently doesn't know what is meant by the term "tragic hero" it seems apt here. It refers to a literary character who makes errors of judgment (or has a fatal flaw that) that fate exploits to bring about the character's tragic downfall. Anybody who has run large organizations knows they cannot be led by black-and-white thinkers. What makes it lonely at the top is the constant need to make judgments in borderline calls, and a good leader makes those calls and lives privately with the cumulative stress of those decisions. It all has to be balanced for the good of the organization, the people who work for it, depend upon it and support it, and it is naive to believe that this can be done by a Boy Scout. To quote from the old TR chestnut: "The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming..."

Mick52

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 6:44 p.m.

I think Tressell's problems are more of an offender like "pattern of behavior" issue than an, "error of judgement," literary issue.

Blue Marker

Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 8:13 p.m.

Last time I checked a hero is a armed forces personnel serving over seas or a firefighter going into a burning building....not a football coach. I've got to two words for MD....Glen Winston! Maybe Dantonio believes Tressel deserves the famous "MSU Second Chance". What a joke!

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 7:17 p.m.

Understand the meaning of "tragic" Don't understand how Tressel qualifies as a "hero". Good Night and Good Luck

TheInfamousOne

Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 6:07 p.m.

That's just Dantonio being Dantonio, who cares. I personally don't take little brother down the road seriously. We all know his day's are numbered now that we have Hoke. Give the guy some rope and let him hang himself and let Dantonio run his mouth. Plus, this just give the Wolverines some extra motivation. I think MSU has proved they can't win a decent bowl game, they got spanked pretty good last year by Bama. Time to take the ball back from little brother and show him how it's done.

Mick52

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 6:57 p.m.

And just now, DRob overthrew a wide open receiver in the end zone, which would have made it 14-0. Another error that cannot be blamed on the coach. Subsequent play after the overthrown TD pas resulted in a (rare) Michigan field goal. I can't watch this anymore.... I am looking forward to the Hoke defense, but I am going to miss the offense.

Mick52

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 6:42 p.m.

My thinking too. I think msu just got lucky the last three years and I think Hoke or not they have seen the best run they will see for long, long time. In this state, football is Michigan, Michigan State is basketball. Ironically I am watching last year's M - MSU game. MSU won by 17 points for Michigan had turnovers, in fact, just now on the replay DRob tossed an interception that should have been a touchdown. Player mistake not a coach mistake. I think this game and the two ten point losses could easily have been wins w/less turnovers and a little bit better defense. In his comments, Dantonio could have gone in any of many directions but he chose a very odd one.

cubicle

Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 9:24 p.m.

I think U of M has proved they can't win a decent bowl game, they got spanked pretty good last year by Mississippi State.

scott

Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 5:59 p.m.

I'm surprised he had time to make such a jerk out of himself with all of the picking up criminals to take to practice......

David Vande Bunte

Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 5:50 p.m.

"I don't even know who that guy is," Dantonio said. "As far as I'm concerned, he's never coached one day of college football or had a relationship with college players, a real meaningful relationship. Dantonio, it's time to just shut up before you dig yourself an even deeper hole. Unless you don't think that BEING a college football player under Bo Schembechler and developing a relationship with his teammates counts as real or meaningful. He played just as many years you did, Mark. He has been involved with the University of Michigan's football program since 1980. You seriously believe that he doesn't have a meaningful relationship with the football program? This guy has spent his entire life in Michigan, being involved in Michigan sports. Basically, keep on defending the cheater-vest for running a highly corrupt program, and keep on being clueless about ethics. But, Brandstatter is a product of Bo Schembechler, so he understands concepts like honor, tradition, and doing the right thing...while you are a protege of a notorious cheater.

Theo's Brother

Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 1:57 a.m.

Right on!

Craig Lounsbury

Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 10:22 p.m.

well said David, well said indeed