I’ve maintained all along that the money involved in Rodriguez’s contract isn’t driving Michigan’s timeline for a decision. I think it was Mike Rosenberg who first pointed out that if Brandon decided to terminate RR and waits until January 1 to formally make that change, Michigan owes Rodriguez $1.5 fewer bucks. Article 3.01(b) defines the contract years: Article 4.01(a) defines the amount U-M must pay Rodriguez if he’s terminated without cause and note the drop in contract year four starting January 1, 2011. However, these terms require Michigan to provide 30 days written notice of the termination: Practically speaking if Brandon fires Rodriguez next week, Rich Rod is not going to hang around for 30 days. But it appears as though the contractual time table on the termination will stretch into January, providing another reason why the $1.5 million “savings” question doesn’t hold water. All this said and even without this 30 day notice clause, these matters are negotiated. Michigan could argue the NCAA violations provide an out “with cause”. If the NCAA finds wrong-doing by Rodriguez at WVU Michigan, per the contract, could again argue termination with cause. Above and beyond all this, there are other legal matters and requests by Michigan that will certainly be in play. Finally, Brandon’s not going to let $1.5 million drive the decision…