December 28, 2007
WVU pushing the issue with Coach Rod
Despite terms in his West Virginia contract that allowed Rich Rodriguez at least thirty days to make the first payment on his buyout clause, the Mountaineers have decided to sue Coach Rod to collect the buyout.
The buyout clause requires Rodriguez to pay $4 million to WVU over a two-year period, with one-third of the total due 30 days after his employment's termination. His resignation was effective Dec. 19.
The move by WVU is largley pre-emptive, as the university expects Rodriguez to dispute some portion of the buyout. Coach Rod's advocates have said publicly that other terms of the contract were not upheld, potentially mitigating the buyout clause.
Clearly, West Virginia disagrees:
West Virginia officials decided to ask a court to enforce the contract after supporters of Rodriguez questioned its validity and the coach did not disavow those statements, said Alex Macia, vice president of legal affairs and legal counsel for the university.
"There are very clear statements and factually incorrect statements by people who purportedly speak for the coach," Macia said."There comes a time when you have to have a court pronounce as a matter of law what happened," he said.
The Mountaineers contend that -- even if WVU failed to uphold the agreement - Coach Rod never gave written notice of the school's failure, so the school should not be liable for any default.
According to the lawsuit, the university fulfilled the contract's terms and Rodriguez never gave it written notice, as required by the contract, that it had not followed the agreement, the lawsuit said."The university performed and upheld its end of the bargain," Macia said.
In other words... WVU plans to go before Judge Judy with the "nuh - uh" defense. Nice.
Drama. Drama. Drama. Maybe ESPN & Court TV will team up for the trial... but I digress.
This will end exactly as expected - with WVU & Coach Rod negotiating a reduced buyout. Coach Rod's claims have some merit, and WVU is owed something. Now we just wait to see how much.
Comments:
c-dogg said:
posted on December 28, 2007 12:28 PM — 76.188.146.13 — link — abuse?
Let it go WVU....your not Michigan and you never will be.
This situation would be like a coach from RUTGERS turning down the Miami Hurricanes job!! How ridiculous right? (Wait...that did happen)....:O)
Go Canes! Get Some (more) recruits!
Zac said:
posted on December 28, 2007 12:43 PM — 209.36.193.14 — link — abuse?
The raw stupidity of the Admin at WVU never ceases to amaze me. Rich Rodriguez turned in his resignation effective Dec. 19. In accordance with this currently disputed contract, he has 30 days from that date to pay 1/3 of the $4 Mil buy-out; the balance to be paid over the next 2 years.
Rich Rodriguez has basically said, “WVU didn’t hold up their end; I’m not paying the buy-out.” He can say that, if he wants. His legal team can say that if they want. The media can say it if they want. It don’t mean a thing. Rich Rodriguez still has until January 18th to come up with the money, OR have his legal team negotiate with WVU to push back that date until they can come up with an amicable agreement, OR WVU can take legal action.
So, what does WVU do? They file a law suit against Rich Rodriguez for something he has not done yet (or in this case, has not yet failed to do); something which isn’t even required to be done for another 23 days, in accordance with this contract, which WVU so vehemently upholds.
In effect, the WVU Admin just handed this guy his out. Coach Rod’s legal team will have a field day with this. Not to mention, as stated in an earlier thread, WVU has already set a precedent with former BB HC, Bob Bielein, by reducing his $2.5 Mil buy-out to $1.5 Mil. I should think WVU will have to at least offer Rich Rodriguez the same courtesy, or have to explain to a judge why it was OK in one case, and not in the other.
Sadly, I knew WVU would get screwed to some extent. I never expected its own Admin to be responsible for it. But then, WVU’s Admin is said to be why Coaches Bob Bielein and Rich Rodriguez left in the 1st place. Who knew???
Bevo Boy said:
posted on December 28, 2007 12:52 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
Zac, I think part of it will always be the name of the program. Michigan is one of those big schools that coaches will go to even if they have something good at a school not quite as well known. I don't know anything about WVU's administration, though, so that could be a big part of it that I don't know about.
If it is just a big nose, then does the c in c-dogg stand for cyrano?
wvu_lifer
posted on December 28, 2007 7:58 PM — 75.109.107.108 — link — abuse?
said:
Bevo: The Admin is so incompetent here, i can assure you, Zac is correct. Also starting to sound like he may need a change of scenery too, lol.While all this has been going on, has anyone of the admin made any sort of statement to ease the whatever it is here? Nope, they just wanna fiddle with the old Rod. Go get a coach!! Butch Jones is the only candidate i've seen with a second interview. Anyone hear anything more??
shiguy said:
posted on December 30, 2007 4:32 AM — 71.56.219.20 — link — abuse?
this is the biggest load of crap ever. if rod was at michigan and he left you would expect him to pay whatever their buyout was. but oo now it's WVU "you're not michigan" get the f#ck out. it's people like you who piss me because you think that it's ok for one school to have their standards but others to get the shaft. he should be held to his buyout. i have no questions there. furthermore i'm interested to see if they include something about michigan contacting him without WVU's permission. anyone else remember when they had to ask LSU to do that? once again double standard. i hope they get every last cent they can from this. it's one thing to leave a school but 2 weeks before your bowl? are you serous?! congrats dick rod you now are the proud title holder of the first coach ever, to take a team to a BCS game and then NOT coach them.
posted on December 30, 2007 8:56 AM — link — abuse?Kevin Donahue
said:
@shiguy - You gotta tap the brakes a little, bro, and at least try to look at this from a third-person perspective.
First and foremost, most coaches at most schools try to reduce their buyouts. I would say that is more of a rarity when it DOESN'T happen that way. You may determine that this action alone is sufficient grounds to bash Coach Rod, but... well, the list is long & distinguished for coaches trying to reduce their buyouts.
Secondly, it's WVU that is causing WVU to be cast in a bad light. You've got fans burning Rod in effigy and generally behaving like a lawless third-world nation.
Then you've got a university that is suing a guy because they think he might/maybe/kinda/sorta/possibly violate the terms of his agreement three weeks from now. The entire basis for their lawsuit is based on a supposition. The case would get tossed out of most courts in America because the alleged grievance has yet to occur. In other words, they haven't been "wronged" yet. It's as if the WVU administration has no idea how to run a university.
You are right in one regard - the notion of WVU being a second-glass school is gaining momentum. But if you're looking for someone to blame... you had better start in Morgantown.
Charlie
posted on December 30, 2007 12:47 PM — 24.26.18.81 — link — abuse? said:
"Coach Rod's claims have some merit"
Kevin.... Since not all of us are privy - as you apparently are - to the terms and conditions of the agreement between WVU and Rodriquez - perhaps you can share with us just what terms WVU broke, that lead you to pontificate that, "Coach Rod's claims have some merit." Please enlighten us.
What I've heard - and I'm not an "expert" - is that some of the conditions included improvements to the WVU athletic training facilities, which were to be done over time. Since Rodriquez chose to take Michigan's money and run less than one year after signing his deal with WVU, I can't imagine how those terms could have had time to happen. But again, you're the "expert", so I'm sure you'll tell us why you and Rodriquez feel justified that, "Coach Rod's claims have some merit."
As for War Eagle Atlanta's ridiculous assertion that WVU "decided to air Rodriquez's dirty laundry", I would remind you that it was Rodriquez's agent who fired the first shot, when he announced that Rodriquez had his lawyers working on breaking the buyout agreement because WVU hadn't performed. Rodriquez opened that door, and Rodriquez will have to live with and be accountable for whatever "dirty laundry" is aired.
Jim1 said:
posted on December 30, 2007 4:14 PM — 76.111.180.143 — link — abuse?
Zac post #6
The reason WVU was willing to negotiate with Belein was an error on the WVU admins part in his contract. They did not put a date for payment, Belein could have paid them $1/yr, they fixed that in Rod's contract.
Rod is actually the one who took this public, another point in the contract is he had to let the university know it writing what they were not doing to uphold their end, he did not do that.
Here is a link to what the WVU president had to say.
http://www.wvmetronews.com/index.cfm?func=displayfullstory&storyid=22756
posted on December 30, 2007 4:22 PM — link — abuse? said:
Most respectfully, buyouts get negotiated for a lot of reasons, but the biggest is and always will be public relations. It is *very* difficult to collect a buyout in full from a coach that doesn't want to pay it ***at the same time*** you are trying to hire another coach. Regardless of how "right" the school may be, they always end up looking like an @ss and sending completely the wrong image when you are trying to "recruit" a new coach.
wvu_lifer
posted on December 30, 2007 8:32 PM — 75.109.107.108 — link — abuse? said:
Kevin #18, Have you been here? You nailed it on the head "You've got fans burning Rod in effigy and generally behaving like a lawless third-world nation". That's what pretty much everyone in the state lives for, WVU football, sad, but true. Richs agent did fire the first shot, this we know. How the admin has responded is repulsive!! I say is, because they continue to behave that way! I say, let lawyers handle the law end, admin, get over it, and go get us a top quality coach, if any are still interested!
Charlie
posted on December 30, 2007 9:44 PM — 24.26.18.81 — link — abuse? said:
Kevin.....Most respectfully, that's not what I asked you. What I asked you was to provide some substantiation for your assertion that, "Coach Rod's claims have some merit." From what I know and have been told, there is no justification for Rodriquez to be trying to renege on the contract he signed less than a year ago.
You must have some information that the rest of us don't, to be able to declare, "Coach Rod's claims have some merit." Curious minds just want to know what Rodriquez's meritorious claims are.
wvu_lifer
posted on December 31, 2007 4:16 AM — 75.109.107.108 — link — abuse? said:
Charlie, i can think of 3 reasons right off the top of my head, and i have no special insight. However petty these items may seem, they were a part of his contract, and they were not honored:
1)Pay raise for staff.............Never Happened
2) Letting high school coaches in for free instead of charging them 5 bucks, never happened!
3)Getting alotted a certain amount of sideline passes........Never Happened.
Petty, all but #1, If he left over that, and we actually didn't fix the problem, then both parties look stupid, as they do now!Charlie
posted on December 31, 2007 8:03 AM — 24.26.18.81 — link — abuse? said:
wvu_lifer.....Thanks for your reply. If the items you listed were part of the signed agreement between Rodriquez and WVU, and they didn't happen, then it appears the school reneged. You're right about #2 and #3 being rather petty.
As for the extra grad-assistant, I thought that number was limited and governed by the NCAA. From what I read on the WVU forum, the love affair with Rodriquez was over after his flirtation with Alabama last year. Too bad we have some good coaches who came out of WV, but many of them are of questionable integrity - Saban, Rodriquez and Holtz.
wvu_lifer
posted on December 31, 2007 8:45 AM — 75.109.107.108 — link — abuse? said:
Let's not forget Papa Bowden. Talks like a preacher, acts like a kid, and never has a clue what his kids are doing!! lol. I think Rod may actually have some integrity, shhhh don't tell anyone. He basically left over a pissing contest with Uncle Ed!! Hot heads sometimes reason after the fact, and i'm sure he is questioning what he has done right now!!
posted on December 31, 2007 10:33 AM — link — abuse? said:
@wvu_lifer - No, I haven't been there, but that was my conclusion after reading some of the WVU blogs and (more surprisingly) local newspapers. It is as asinine and does very little to endear a future coach to the position. (See also... Arkansas)
@Charlie - My previous reply wasn't directed at you, rather the previous poster (#21).
As far as specific items of merit, I was referring to those that were linked in the original post. I believe wvu_lifer did a good job of summarizing the basic points.
That said, I think wvu_lifer's analysis in #29 is most accurate (ie pissing contest). I have surmised through his comments that Coach Rod truly wanted to accept the Alabama job, but felt a sense of loyalty brought about by the WVU concessions. When several of those were not fully implemented, Coach Rod didn't feel any sense of loyalty, which is why I believe he never gave the administration a chance to "counter".
Charlie
posted on December 31, 2007 3:54 PM — 24.26.18.81 — link — abuse? said:
wvu_lifer.....At least Bowden wasn't born in West Virginia.
I could care less that Rodriguez left for more money and what he considered a better job. That said, I don't know that Michigan affords him a better opportunity for success - other than he'll be playing against lesser competition on a weekly basis in the Big Ten.
WVU is 32-5 over the past three years, and Michigan is 26-11. WVU was ranked higher in the final polls the past two years, and will be again this year. But for a horrible coaching job by Rodriguez against a 4-7 Pitt, WVU would be getting ready to play for the national championship.
Rodriguez is a good coach, but he's not a very decent man. What I have a problem with is his trying to weasel out of the buyout provision that he agreed to.
My gripe is also with people who claim to be "in the know" as to Rodriguez having "merit" to renege on his buyout clause. That's irresponsible unless you can back it up with facts, Kevin.Zac said:
posted on January 1, 2008 5:51 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
Charlie, here are my issues with Rodriguez and how things were handled.
1) He knew of MI's interest in him prior to the Pitt game. Knowing they were interested, he contacted one of his recruits to let him know he might not be at WVU next season; he might be at MI, and asked this recruit if he'd be willing to follow.
2) Arguably, he coached the worst game of his career at a time a chance for the NC was on the line.
3) Following such a bad showing, he had the nerve to ask for staff bonuses, not to mention made repeated requests which involved his issues with promises that were made to him following the AL debacle, and weren't kept. Even those things which would be expected to take time, hadn't been started. When he brought this before Ed Pastilong he was blown off.
4) He attempted to sneak out of town to meet with MI and to negotiate their offer. To this point, Mi had not received permission from WVU's Admin to speak with Rodriguez.
Number 3 accounts for the possible merit to Rodriguez's issue that WVU was in breach of contract; therefore he doesn't have to pay the $4 M buy-out. WVU's Admin says that's BS; they never got anything in writing from him regarding grievances over a breach of contract. So, they're suing him for none-payment. Odd thing: That contract, which WVU is said to have up-held or is up-holding, gives Rodriguez until 1/18/08 to make his 1st payment. Wanna explain to me how WVU's Admin can sue for none payment when it's not even due yet?
Rodriguez has managed to pull the wool over the WVU Admin's eyes over the MI deal. Since then, WVU's Admin has been absolutely stupid in what they've done and tried to do.
That having been said, I wonder if Ed Pastilong would consider hiring Lloyd Carr. Carr wouldn't need to obtain but 1 or 2 speciallty coaches. Everything else is in place. With Carr as WVU's HC & Rodriguez as MI's HC, you just know there'd be a home & home scheduled between the 2 in the near future.
Charlie
posted on January 1, 2008 8:51 PM — 24.26.18.81 — link — abuse? said:
Zac....I still want to hear from somebody familiar with the language of the contract, before I will believe that, "Number 3 accounts for the possible merit to Rodriguez's issue that WVU was in breach of contract."
No offense, but all I hear is internet/blog "experts" giving us their opinion without offering any substantiation.
"That contract, which WVU is said to have up-held or is up-holding, gives Rodriguez until 1/18/08 to make his 1st payment. Wanna explain to me how WVU's Admin can sue for none payment when it's not even due yet?"
Seeing as how Rodriguez publically announced about two weeks ago that he had no intention of paying back the $4 million, I'd say WVU is perfectly justified in getting their case in order. Rodriguez fired the first shot, and apparently WVU thought he was telling the truth this time.
Zac said:
posted on January 1, 2008 10:25 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
Charlie, I can't help you with the actual language of the contract, not having personally seen it. I can help you with university policy in that, they have a grievance process, and that process requires grievances be made in writing. WVU claims Rodriguez failed to do that. Now, whether or not there is something in the contract which negates or supersedes that policy, again I can't tell you.
With regards to his public announcement, it was no more than a ploy. I'm not saying he's bluffing; I'm guessing he is playing the percentages. The point is, when it comes to contract law, anyone can SAY just about anything they want. It's what you actually DO, or in this case DON'T DO, that really matters.
Kevin's thread here is not the only place with which that much of Rodriguez's contract was explained. I've seen it in the Charleston Gazette, the Pittsburgh Tribune, and a number of others.
Now, I'm not an attorney; I don't speak "attorney-ese". All I can go by is what, thus far, everyone has written. That has been explained as being as follows:
Rodriguez has 30 days to pay 1/3 of the required buy-out fee from the day his resignation went into effect. That date being 12/19/2007, he has until 1/18/2008 to pay the 1/3 previously discussed. The balance may be paid in equal monthly installments over the next 2 years. Language or no language, that seems pretty simple to me and has been consistently published within not fewer than 5 articles that I know of. While it's true; ya can't believe everything ya read; I have to believe at least one of them investigated and verified this to be true, and since they're all saying the same thing, there's a good chance they all got it right.
What's this got to do with Rodriguez's complaints having any merit? Nothing. It seems to me he owes WVU a lot of money. It also looks as if WVU foolishly jumped the gun with their suit, and that could come back to haunt them. Until it's decided whether or not it'll be settled in or out of court, until the dust settles, none of us will know.
Zac said:
posted on January 1, 2008 10:43 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
Charlie, just to clarify, I don't claim to know. Though I do have friends in WV who do claim to know, I haven't bothered quoting them. I never agreed there was merit to Rodriguez's arguments, only that it was possible there was merit to his complaints. Finally, I don't at all like what he's done anymore than you do. I think he handled the whole thing poorly at best, and like you I'm very disappointed in him.
We know he had contact with MI without permission from WVU. I know that to be a WVU policy breach; I don't know if it has anything to do with his contract. I don't know whether or not he has done anything else that could be considered a breach of contract. I only know, regarding his buy-out, if he defaults on that payment due 1/18/2008, for certain he is in breach of contract. Anything else is purely conjecture.
College Pigskin Fan said:
posted on January 1, 2008 11:35 PM — 4.244.209.176 — link — abuse?
Isn't the Governor of West Virginia getting involved in this? The same Governor that is now wanting to get a "big name" canidate for the head coaching job at West Virginia.
http://dailymail.com/Sports/WVUSports/200801010117
I thought it was the job of the University President and Athletic Director to search, interview, and hire canidates for the head coaching job.
If West Virginia is allowing the Governor of the state to step in, and take charge with the hiring of the next coach, West Virginia is in worse shape than I thought.
Garry said:
posted on January 2, 2008 8:32 AM — 24.127.127.40 — link — abuse?
All may find this editorial in the NY Times yesterday interesting. Nice to see that the wider press is recognizing how ugly this was and what type of a person Rodriguez really is. Good Luck Michigan (maybe we should hire Lloyd Carr?)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/01/sports/ncaafootball/01araton.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin
wveersfan said:
posted on January 2, 2008 11:11 AM — 216.230.70.238 — link — abuse?
It's also nice of a man who claimed to love WV and had his dream job to pull an ACC/Baltimore Colts "run in the night" to UM, then refuse to pay a buyout he knew about. If he didn't see that part of the contract, that's his agents fault.
He is scum and lied to everyone he proclaimed to care for and now refuses to pay money he knows WVU needs.
F____ Rodriguez. I hope he fails at all that he does. OSU just got 1.8 million new fans in the last few weeks.
Please Kevin, you don't know half of the details. I don't either but through parties involved on both sides, including coaches and AD members, he screwed us. I wish nothing but the worst for him. WV'ians don't do that to their own, especially when they were the ones who allowed him to grow his ego so large. Just look at how he treated Carr's staff when he got to UM. Total disrespect and "in your face" run-ins with the old staff.....especially with Ron English. Too bad RE didn't break his neck.
wveersfan said:
posted on January 2, 2008 11:19 AM — 216.230.70.238 — link — abuse?
Kevin, you don't know all the details. We only hang the ones who bring their own noose.
Respectfully, I ask you not to make assumptions based on news reports. You don't know a particle of what or how Rod handled things in this and the Alabama fiasco. Many WVU fans know the details of how things happen and he deserves being thrown into a mine shaft, not under a bus.
UM will win in a short couple of years but you will also have more transfers than you ever had because of his style of coaching.
Enjoy, because he will have little respect for your traditions, minus the ones he is made to keep. His hat should have an "MF" on it, instead of just an "M".
posted on January 2, 2008 1:44 PM — link — abuse? said:
@wveersfan - Without question, I am outside looking in; however, I do think that adds a level of impartiality. Just reading your post (and seeing the other posts @ Rivals, newspapers, and elsewhere) this is clearly an EMOTIONAL issue for 'eers fans. Once the emotion passes, I hope some WVU backers will try to weigh both sides.
Listen, the same thing happened when Pitino left KY for the Celtics, to some degree. The entire state loved the man, but he left to take what he thought was a better job. And it *broke* *their* *hearts* that something so dear to them (in this case, UK basketball) would be viewed as a lesser job by someone they loved. And KY fans acted the same way - burned the guy in effigy. Tubby Smith came in and won a ring. (He would later get run out of town, but that's another story.) But time passed and they found that their program was bigger than any one man.
I think the same thing will happen in Morgantown. Time will pass and WVU will learn that it is bigger than any one man. Bigger than Bill Kern... bigger than Bobby Bowden... bigger than that one guy who's name I can't remember after Bowden... bigger than Nehlen... and utlimately bigger than Rich Rodriguez.
My sainted grandmother used to say, "When you lie with pigs, you get dirty."
If Coach Rod is what you profess... then don't get down in the mud with him.
West Coast Willie said:
posted on January 2, 2008 1:53 PM — 74.93.5.150 — link — abuse?
wveersfan, geez, it's only a game. A hundred years from now do you think that this will even matter? Life is too short to hate on and on. Get counseling and move on.
They do have medicine to help you through this.
Zac said:
posted on January 2, 2008 5:33 PM — 209.36.193.14 — link — abuse?
West Coast Willie, be grateful this doesn’t involve Saban and Bama. There would have been a tar-n-featherin for sure.
By the way, I’m all for hiring Lloyd Carr.
As for the WV Governor’s involvement, it took the WV State Legislature to mandate the series between WVU & Marshall. They even passed a law to provide WVU’s Riffle Team $150 K/yr. So, don’t be surprised if the Governor’s involved with the HC selection process.
Charlie
posted on January 2, 2008 10:29 PM — 24.26.18.81 — link — abuse? said:
wveersfan.....Couldn't agree with you more.
This guy Kevin is a moronic tool. He admits he knows nothing but what he reads in blogs, but he feels justified in claiming that "Rodriguez's claims have merit."
I could care less that Rodriguez left. It's just the sneaking around and lying, and then trying to weasel his way out of the buyout agreement he signed that disgusts me. It shows his true character.
More disgusting are the morons like Kevin, who "claim" to know what they're talking about.
posted on January 3, 2008 11:21 AM — link — abuse? said:
@Charlie - First and foremost, if you're going to quote someone, at least do it accurately. I said in the post that RR's "claims have some merit." (Note the qualifier "some" in that statement.)
Secondly, at no point did I limit myself to saying that my familiarity is "what [I] read in blogs". I have read the contract itself (it was posted at USA Today last year) and discussed at length with fellow FWAA members that follow WVU, in addition to what I have read in newspapers, blogs, message boards, WVU insiders boards, etc. I suspect that most of the people commenting on the contract lawsuit haven't even seen the contract.
Finally, this is the third time since May (if memory serves) that your comments have been directed at me personally, I'll remind you of the comment policy.
wvu_lifer
posted on January 3, 2008 11:46 AM — 75.109.107.108 — link — abuse? said:
#36, oh, you've never been here i see. Bad shape is putting it mildly. Yes, the freggin' Gov wanted to have a say in the coach hiring process. How repugnent!! He is also "in bed" with the AD, they go way back. Even still, that should not be a factor. Let a football coach make a political decision for him, never happen, lol!!
wvu_lifer
posted on January 3, 2008 12:05 PM — 75.109.107.108 — link — abuse? said:
Charlie, or Ground Chuck if ya keep it up (h). Man, chill. Rod did have some merit, and believe me it was some petty crap. I too could care less if he's gone, that stuff happens nearly every day in sports. I loved him while he was here, now it's time to embrace "Coach Stew", for a while anyways. Never know, he could be the one! We have alot of talent leaving, and alot of talent returning, including some very good young talent. I live in W.Va, so i know of what i'm speaking. Rod didn't get a couple things in his contract and he bolted.......he should have been gone last year, he wanted to go badly!! We begged and pleaded with a man who did not want to be here to stay, and he did, for almost a year. Let him go, quit whining and enjoy the sport as a fan!!
Charlie
posted on January 3, 2008 12:25 PM — 24.26.18.81 — link — abuse? said:
We'll just have to wait and see what shakes out in the legal system.
What I hope happens is that the powers that be at UM tell Rodriguez that they don't want the added negativity associated with their new football coach trying to stiff WVU, and tell him to pay up and put this behind him. Until it's settled, you can be sure it'll be a topic of conversation every time Michigan and Rodriguez are on tv.
I think it's critical for WVU to retain McGhee and Casteel, and they may have enough money to do that based on what they're reportedly going to pay Stewart. With all the talent coming back, it sure would be nice to keep the same systems.
wvu_lifer
posted on January 3, 2008 12:39 PM — 75.109.107.108 — link — abuse? said:
Charlie, unfortunately, Magee has already stated he was leaving for UM. However, he came back and asked the University and players if he could coach in the bowl. At least UM is getting 1 class act. Not sure about Casteel yet, no news is good???
Charlie
posted on January 3, 2008 12:39 PM — 24.26.18.81 — link — abuse? said:
Kevin....
The Pitino analogy really is, I think, totally the opposite. Pitino played college ball in Mass. and began his head coaching career in Boston. In essence, he was going home.
Rodriguez was born and raised 30 minutes from Morgantown, played at WVU and began his coaching career in WV. I think a majority of long-time WVU followers fell out of love with him when he almost left for Alabama, and while his timing in taking the Michigan job was a jolt, I think most were just as happy he was finally gone.
But I think they really developed a feeling of betrayal because of him trying to get out of the $4 million buyout.
posted on January 3, 2008 6:50 PM — link — abuse? said:
@Charlie - Maybe the heat has picked up since the buyout embroilio, but... it was pretty nasty before RR ever got on the plane. (Remember the *sneaking out on his belly* crowd?) I never could find a copy of RR's original agreement (pre-Alabama), but I can tell you with certainty that the items that the RR camp have mentioned were specifically in the agreement, because we looked at it last year to see what had "bought" RR's loyalty. If I can find it on my old laptop, I will re-post it here in full.
CFB Fan said:
posted on January 4, 2008 11:30 AM — 192.131.99.130 — link — abuse?
West Virginia University, should not only sue Rich Rodriguez for breach of contract ($4 million buy out clause), but file an injunction to stop him from coaching Michigan, until this legal matter is resolved.
IMHO, know matter how this legal process turns out; Rich Rodriguez’s image is tarnished forever.
Please note that all comments are subject to the Fanblogs Comment Policy.
War Eagle Atlanta 
said:
posted on December 28, 2007 12:26 PM — 205.188.116.136 — link — abuse?West Virginia officials are made to look like fools letting Rod get poached by Michigan and they decide to make up for it by airing all this dirty laundry in front of the nation.
If they had any shame, they would keep this quiet and deal behind the scenes. They're only harming the reputation and the integrity of the university at this point.