Boren Speaks

Finally a statement out of Justin Boren on his departure:

“Michigan football was a family, built on mutual respect and support for each other from Coach Carr on down. We knew it took the entire family, a team effort, and we all worked together. I have great trouble accepting that those family values have eroded in just a few months. That same helmet, that I was raised on and proudly claimed for the last two years, now brings a completely different emotion to me, one that interferes with practicing and playing my best and mentally preparing for what is required.

“That I am unable to perform under these circumstances at the level I expect of myself, and my teammates and Michigan fans deserve, is why I have made the decision to leave. To those of you outside the program, the loyal Michigan fans and alumni, I know you will have trouble understanding, but I do want to thank you for your years of support. I wish my teammates the best and will always be proud to have been a part of Michigan football over the past two years.””

When I first learned that he was leaving my reaction was simple: here’s a guy that was uneasy about Rodriguez, Barwis, etc., but wanted to see how Spring ball went. A lot of folks advised Mallett to do just that: see how it goes then you can transfer if it doesn’t work out. He never lost the uneasiness.

I don’t have any trouble with a guy wanting to leave. He signed up to play for Carr; I understand. But to trash the new coaching staff after a couple months of being here seems a bit contrary to the values espoused by Lloyd Carr and the Michigan family he led. And many of those in that former family are still on the team and still around the program. He should have said he didn’t quite fit in and left it at that.

Elsewhere: Check out Autumn Thunder’s scientific assessment of the situation.