Michigan Friday: RR and WVU

The press is all over the recent WVU NCAA allegations and Rich Rodriquez.  Let me try to bring some thought instead of "throwing stones" at this situation. 

At most schools, compliance responsibility falls under the compliance department.  For example the compliance department responsibility is to make sure all the coaches understand what they can and can't do.   A great example is both the Michigan and WVU examples; both alleged situations happen before and after Rich was there.   It was happening at Michigan before RR was hired and continued happening at WVU after he left.    Which in my mind means that both institutions felt they weren't breaking the rules or didn't understand the rules properly. 

Let me give you example: if graduate assistants or support staff are involved in practice or non-practice activity.  The compliance department would have to "sign off on it" or agree they were not breaking the rules.  The "rub" is if you believe that Rich Rodriguez knew using the support staff was wrong and did it anyway.  That is where the NCAA could come down hard. 

Here is what RR had to say:  "I have always taken compliance seriously and have sincerely felt our program was very open and transparent. I regret any mistakes that were made or rules that were misinterpreted.


Any errors certainly weren’t made intentionally. I openly discussed my past practices with NCAA investigators and will continue to cooperate fully during this process.

I have redoubled efforts with my staff and our compliance team to improve several processes, strengthen communications, and work to ensure these mistakes won’t happen in the future.


We have a tremendous program and an exceptional group of student-athletes, and I look forward to an exciting and successful football season."

I maybe looking at this with "maize and blue" colored glasses, but I don't find the WVU allegations damning to RR, I believe it is an example that RR and staff believed what they were doing was in line with the rules.   An example is that things didn't change when Bill Stewart tool over the program.  I also believe if you have the NCAA go over your program with a fine tooth comb, you will find that 90% of the programs out there would be guilty of the same thing.  (if you have a friend that played major college football, ask him if there were GA's there for summer 7 on 7's?  Or if a player broke the rules was punished by running the stadium stairs during the summer?  I betting the answer would be Yes, most of the time).  Another side point:  I remember when Adrian Arrington broke team rules and had to run the stairs at the Big House every morning under Lloyd Carr.  There was a coach or GA there every morning at 6:00 AM to let him in and make sure he completed it.  That's a violation right there.  (NCAA if your reading this - that never really happended).

The best thing the NCAA could do is slap both programs on the hand and let the rest of the Universities out there know what the rules are regarding these situations.   Then move on to playing real football games.

Love or Hate RR, that is your choice but be careful before you throw stones.

•  Like I predicted the Big Ten picked Indy for the Big Ten Championship next year.  I think this was a good and safe decision. 

• Michigan needs to break in the turf at the Big House.  Rain and play is the best way to do it.

• Boubacar goes from one Big House to another.  This is a sad story. 

• BG is getting good reviews so far at Eagles camp:  "He looks like he's going to be a good football player," coach Andy Reid said recently. "Does he have some things he has to learn? Absolutely. He is an explosive guy. That you can see, and he's got very good athletic ability and instincts, and now it's just a matter of mastering a few of the different techniques that you need to play at this level that you don't necessarily need to use at the college level."

• Guess who the focus is for the Rice Owls on offense this year?  Your correct, Sam McGuffie.

• Tim from Mgoblog gives us an update from Michigan Basketball practice.  Your first reaction might be: What? Football practice hasn't even started yet?  Michigan is going to be playing some games in Europe later this month and can have up to 10 practices to prepare for the trip.  This is something a team can do once every 4 years.  These practices and games will give the young Wolverines much needed experience and practice time heading into the season.

Are you intrested in how the legendary Michigan Football helmets are prepared every year?  I knew you where!




Since I wasn't expecting this story to break, I will have a bonus Weekend Post up early on Saturday Morning for you reading pleasure.