Wolverine Wednesday: I always feel like somebody is watching me...........

News is pretty slow today, unless your connected with the University of Miami.  After reading the Yahoo Sports investigation, my reaction was "that has been going on since the days of Michael Irvin".   I can't believe it took this long to get out.   (yes, I know about Luther Campbell)

Couple of thoughts on Miami.   #1 As Michigan fans lets all be happy that is was the Freep that was on a "witch hunt" a couple of years ago in Ann Arbor and not Yahoo Sports.  If I'm David Brandon, I'm not sure I would grant a press pass from anyone from Yahoo Sports for the Michigan - ND game.   Memo to college AD's and head coaches, if Yahoo sports comes knocking you better not answer the door.  You might just want to resign now.   They have taken down Minnesota Basketball, Ohio State Football and now Miami Football (I am sure there are other examples). 

#2:  Anyone want to speculate, how would Tate Forcier would have done in the Miami environment?  That is a scary thought. 

I wanted to see if some "football" guys had any reactions to Miami, this is what I got: (thanks to Mgoblog and TheWolverine.com for the pictures)

Danny Hope, Head Football Coach Purdue


BHB: Coach Hope, any reaction to the Miami situation?
Hope:  I hate Michigan

BHB: Why are you looking at me like that?
Hope: Because I hate Michigan.

Hope: This doesn't effect my starting QB Robert Marve who transferred from Miami does it?
BHB: Dude you are looking right through me.  It's sort of creepy.


Al Borges, Michigan Offensive Coordinator


BHB: Coach Borges, Did you hear about Miami?
Borges:  Denard is learning the offense and we haven't found a RB back.  I prefer 1 RB step up but  we have a lot of depth at that position.

BHB:  Coach are you ok?
Borges:  Denard was under center in High School and he is adjusting to the pro style offense.   It's a process and we are gaining ground every day. 

BHB: Coach I am asking about Miami and the Yahoo Sports story?
Borges:  I hope to retire there someday.  I would like to take my talents and my firm hat to South Beach.

BHB:  Thanks coach

Stephen Hopkins, Michigan Running Back


BHB: Stephen do you have any friends at Miami?
Hopkins: Do you see how big Wisconsin's defensive lineman are?

BHB: Sure they are big but I am asking about Miami?
Hopkins:  Wait, those guys over there are trying to tackle me?

BHB:  I believe that is correct, back to Mia...
Hopkins:  Is that a 6 foot party sub over there?

BHB: Wait a second, where is that sub?

Antonio Brown, NFL Pittsburgh Steelers
BHB: Antonio Brown, your a former Central Michigan Chip and now with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
You played for a Rich Rodriguez disciple Butch Jones and you grew up in Miami, what is your take on the U?

Brown:  I am focused on training camp and making a big impact for the Steelers this season. 

BHB:  Did the University of Miami recruit you?
Brown:  Did Mike Tyson knock out Michael Spinks?

BHB: Yes, he did.  Are you surprised what happended at Univeristy of Miami?
Brown: NOPE

BHB: Ok, lets change subjects, you were always open at CMU.  How did you get that open?
Brown:  I showed the MAC CB's this look.   I was always open by 5 yards.

BHB: I bet

The Freep and MICHAEL ROSENBERG

I have been reading Michael's stuff for years and have usually enjoyed his articles. Today his article was titled: Embarrassing ordeal reveals ugly truths about Rodriguez. I thought to myself this is worth a read.

Feel free to read it if you like, but here are his summarized points that he makes in the article:

• RR and Bill Martin were too bull headed to ever settle this case, it was Mary Sue Colman who stepped it and said enough (because she would have had to testify).


• That RR had zero chance to win this case.
  
• That he didn't win anything in the end, except a longer payment schedule.


• He calls RR a Serial Job Shopper


• That he uses too "colorful" language during practices

I would like to address his points one by one, because I think he is way off the mark in many of his points:

1) RR and Bill Martin didn't want to settle. Michael needs to look at the article below his in today's Free Press Online. U of M was on the line for most of the settlement/buyout ($2.5m). IMO: Michigan wanted this lawsuit to continue to see if they could buy down the buyout just like in the Beilein's case. There were 3 reasons, they wanted it settled on Tuesday. 1) they didn't want it to become public that there was an agreement to take care of the buyout internally at Michigan and still have the case go on 2) Mary Sue didn't want to testify 3) The football team and coaches need to focus on Utah and not this case. So I think this point was a big swing a miss for Michael.

2) That Rich had zero chance to win this case. Let's see, John Beilein had the same problem and his buyout was cut all most in half, most of the staff involved in this case have been found to be "less then honest" and most if not all are not longer employed by WVU. The "fired" errr resigning President just said that he did speak with Rich about buyouts and not believing in them. So again Mike, you missed the boat on this point as well. Strike two!

3) Rich didn't win anything in the end. Maybe true and yes this should have been settled long ago. But WVU did lose any interest on the Money, is going to be paid over years instead of a lump sum and WVU will have to pay for all it's representation fees. So yes, there was some minor things Michigan won out of this. Mike, you hit a single here.

4) RR is a Serial Job shopper. Maybe. It's too early to tell but he didn't take the Alabama job and I'm sure there were many other Universities that came calling. If I am the head coach of West Virgina and have a shot at a historic football program and can get a raise. I listen. Mike if the New York Times or Sports Illustrated comes calling, you would listen and maybe even take the job. So I'm not sold he is a job hopper yet. Another swing and a miss ...............

5) That RR and his coaching staff is too tough on the Michigan players. Mike where have you been for the last 9 years? Have you seen the Wolverines on the field? What did you like about last years team loaded with NFL talent that lost it's first game because they weren't close to being ready to play? Mike, Michigan needed a huge change, they needed to go "George Costanza" and do everything just the opposite. Sometimes change is hard, sometime change is tough, but if you don't think the Michigan football program needed some drastic changes then your just asleep at the wheel. Strike 4 Mike, you are way out!

Good Night Now!