Rich Rodriguez is 8-16 in two seasons as Michigan coach, and now the program is facing possible sanctions after an NCAA investigation revealed five potential major rules violations concerning in- and out-of-season practice time.
It's a first for the storied program.
The Detroit Free Press reported the possible violations last August after interviews with former players, current players and parents of players. The program faces probation, a loss of scholarships and a loss of practice time. A bowl ban also would be possible. Michigan has 90 days to respond and is expected to appear before the NCAA Infractions Committee in August.
Reaction to the Wolverines' troubles:
Bob Wojnowski, Detroit News: The pressure is really on Rodriguez now.
Drew Sharp, Detroit Free Press: It's a sad day for Michigan, which must decide what kind of program it wants to run.
Pete Bigelow, Ann Arbor.com: Concerns about the program should not be brushed aside.
Free Press editorial: Michigan needs to demonstrate that it has not lost control of the program. The fans and taxpayers who support the university deserve no less.
Jim Schaefer, Free Press: What the NCAA allegations say.
Free Press: Rich Rod: We made mistakes.
Dave Birkett, Ann Arbor.com: Incoming athletic director Dave Brandon says Rich Rod will return for his third season.
Yet another reason the Big 10 will make its move and bring in a top name football program (read: Nebraska) for expansion. Outside of Wisconsin and tOSU, you have Penn State showing up to play on odd years, Michigan State every leap year...and that's about it. Hell, if anything, Nebraska will be able to console Michigan fans about having an overrated coach and incompetent AD ruin a program and how to resurrect it from the ashes.
Since ND and Texas are off the list, Nebraska is the biggest name it can grab that would be one of the 15 schools in areas contiguous to the Big 10 footprint.
Posted by: Matt | February 24, 2010 at 06:24 AM
wow. everybody acts like this is the end of the world! this is the worst thing to happen to college football, evar.
michigan broke the rules. they got caught. they should be punished (or the rules reconsidered). no argument there.
those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. i'd love to see the practice records for usc, ucla, tennessee, florida, florida state, texas, nebraska. michigan is more than likely the sacrificial lamb for all programs in fbs. yes, ALL.
Posted by: scott | February 24, 2010 at 10:01 AM
With such "major rule violations" as: "Football activities during the week of Oct. 19, 2008 exceeded the 20-hour weekly limit during the season by 20 minutes," it's astounding that Michigan hasn't fired Rich Rod, disbanded its sports program, and burned down the stadium.
Seriously? Who cares.
See http://j.mp/cFSF3F for source.
Posted by: Ben | February 24, 2010 at 11:18 AM
"Rich Rod Era at Michigan Reaches a New Low"
Seriously, this is a old media journalist type of title simply to get attention. Way to jump into hysteria and over-hype a barely story. I read wiz of odds less and less, and I am beginning to see why. If I want overblown headlines I will buy a newspaper. Give me rational analysis please.
Posted by: moz | February 24, 2010 at 01:50 PM