August 30, 2009

Michigan violation reports are shot at Rodriguez

The Detroit Free Press details potential NCAA violations at Michigan stemming from the team's practice and conditioning programs. The suggestion is that head coach Rich Rodriguez and strength coach Mike Barwis repeatedly broke NCAA rules by forcing players into "voluntary" workouts and exceeding NCAA limits on contact with Michigan players.

And - if you read through the story - it certainly sounds as if there might be some truth to the allegation, just as -- I'm certain -- the same could be said of almost every big-time FBS school in the country. I mean, seriously, do you really think that "voluntary" workouts at Florida, Notre Dame, Ohio State, FSU, Texas, or any other school are voluntary? No, they're not. Voluntary workouts have become student run practice times, with word *somehow* getting back to coaches as to what's going on. Puh-lease.

What makes the Michigan situation very interesting is the sources used in the piece - current and former UM players.In a nutshell, you've got current and former players, as well as parents of the players, KNOWINGLY AND WILLINGLY coming forward with allegations that could bring sanctions on the team and coaching staff.

The latest report is just another tale of a wide schism between Michigan players and Rich Rod. From the Boren "family values" episode to the rash of player departures since Rodriguez took the reins, there's no question that all is not well in Ann Arbor.

Clearly - some in the UM family have Rodriguez squarely in their crosshairs.

Following a 3-9 season and before a single down has been played in year two of the Rich Rod experiment, one can't help but wonder... is this team going to mutiny? Is Rich Rodriguez headed for the Coaches Hot Seat?

Comments:

Michigan violation reports are shot at Rodriguez
The Detroit Free Press details potential NCAA violations at Michigan stemming from the team's practice and conditioning programs. The suggestion is that head coach Rich Rodriguez and strength coach Mike Barwis repeatedly broke NCAA rules by forcing players into "voluntary" workouts and exceeding NCAA limits on contact with Michigan players. And - if you read through the story - it certainly sounds as if there might be some truth to the allegation, just as -- I'm certain -- the same could be said of almost every big-time FBS school in the country. I mean, seriously, do you really think that "voluntary" workouts at Florida, Notre Dame, Ohio State, FSU, Texas, or any other school are voluntary? No, they're not. Voluntary workouts have become student run practice times, with word *somehow* getting back to coaches as to what's going on. Puh-lease. What makes the Michigan situation very interesting is the sources used in the piece - current and former UM players.In a nutshell, you've got current and former players, as well as parents of the players, KNOWINGLY AND WILLINGLY coming forward with allegations that could bring sanctions on the team and coaching staff. The latest report is just another tale of a wide schism between Michigan players and Rich Rod. From the Boren "family values" episode to the rash of player departures since Rodriguez took the reins, there's no question that all is not well in Ann Arbor. Clearly - some in the UM family have Rodriguez squarely in their crosshairs. Following a 3-9 season and before a single down has been played in year two of the Rich Rod experiment, one can't help but wonder... is this team going to mutiny? Is Rich Rodriguez headed for the Coaches Hot Seat?