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…
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We Had a Bust Thursday
You heard? On an recent email thread in my inbox someone mentioned they heard Jim Rome talking about how Rodriguez played Bette Midler at the banquet. I was there and even live blogged for the second year in a row if you missed it. (It was going well until the Dee Hart to Bama rumors emerged and unfolded during the middle of the bust and the live chat went sideways for a spell. Recruitniks! <shakes fist>) So regarding Rodriguez’s speech and the Josh Groban moment. I was seated in the back of the room. Rich Rod starting his final words around 9pm and lost in all the Grobanathon is that Rodriguez delivered an excellent speech. It was passionate, heartfelt and he seemed truly humbled in the moment. About ten minutes in he dropped two of his big lines, “Our time is coming, and it’s coming in a big way”, and “We’ll let people jump on the bandwagon. They may not get a front seat.” You forget that Rodriguez is a skilled public speaker in these type of forums. Then came the Groban stuff, about 10 minutes in. When RR first mentioned the pop-opera crooner I winced. When he recited the lyrics I chuckled & when they started blasting the tune I cringed. And it was LOUD. I think it would…
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Harbaugh Joins Colin Cowherd (Dec-1 audio)
Jim Harbaugh on ESPN radio with Colin Cowherd this afternoon. Here’s the somewhat relevant portion on the coaching talk: [display_podcast] – * Talked about and praised QB Andrew Luck. He compared him to his wife…”perfect”. * “Coaching’s the next best thing”..to playing. * Is Stanford big enough for Jim Harbaugh: “No question it’s big enough” * On addressing the coaching rumors: Harbaugh: “I’m not one of those guys that spends any time on the blogosphere.” bah! Then he won’t mind my Jimmy bobblehead. * He’s just focusing on his dad’s advice: “Just coach the team”.
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Meram Lost his Shirt – The Lady, the Photog or an Inside Job?
Good stuff in the Daily today. Apparently in the aftermath of Justin Meram’s shirtless body surf in the student section following last week’s overtime triumph over Central Florida, the senior forward lost his jersey. You’ve probably already seen this shot from last Sunday: You are all suspects. And you’re all suspect. I witnessed a little bit of the aftermath after Meram walked back onto the field. I remember him asking for the jersey back. Here’s a horrible photo, the second to last I took, of Meram walking back to the students to find his shirt: Here’s the last shot I had in the camera, apparently Meram giving up or seeing if someone had it back on the bench by this time: The lady in yellow seems suspiciously aware of the shirt situation, and even found a shirt, just not the one Meram was looking for. The old bait and switch? And the dude in the black Members Only jacket with his hands in his pockets is little too casual for a crime scene if you ask me. I did find this shot of a jersey during the melee’, unconfirmed if it’s Meram’s. It appears as though it’s one of Meram’s teammates – is this an inside job? I also caught longtime Michigan photographer Per Kjeldsen packing his bag: What’s…
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The Fence
I get both sides. I get the case to keep Rich Rodriguez– I understand the mix of talent and injuries that were huge factors as to why we’re in this mess, and to start over would set the program back further. And I see the results and I’ve observed the neglected & misguided defense and clearly understand why people think it’s time to move on. I know there are a lot of you out there that are on the fence. The lunatic middle. You understand that a guy has to have a few recruiting classes, there are a few positive signs and of course there’s Denard. At the same time you can barely watch this team get manhandled by decent opponents. I think there’s a big camp out there that’s just going to put their trust in Brandon to make the call. He’s done nothing in the past few months to think that he’s not going to do what’s best for Michigan. I’m no longer on the fence but I understand. I’ve stated here that you don’t get thirdsies on defensive coordinator (I think that should be in the next contract. Twosies maybe). If I’m Dave Brandon we bring in a new coach. Having been somewhat close to the program for the past few years I really like these players…
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Beat Ohio!
Cover of ‘Ohio Sports Forum’ magazine, December 1976 (on eBay now) Go Blue today in Columbus. (P.S. Nope, Woody couldn’t stop Bo in ‘76 or ever again).
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This Week in 19th Century Michigan Football!
Here’s the last entry* in ‘This Week in Michigan Football History’ to be played Saturday on WTKA 1050AM’s Key Bank Countdown to Kick-off pregame show before The Game. It’s probably the most unique segment in the series as we go back — ALL the way back – to the 1800s and talk about the game played on this day in 1883 against Stevens Institute, the first game ever played against Racine College and a few key facts from the underappreciated 19th century. I hope you enjoy it: [display_podcast] Thanks to reader Scott B. for pointing out to me the tie to George Jewett, the first black player in Michigan (and conference) history, and the current team. Believe it – according to U-M Media Relations, freshman DB Courtney Avery is a descendant of Jewett. I’m digging for some better details on this. The sponsor of This Week…is Wolverine Beer so here’s where you can find it and you can hear all of the This Week… clips here. * Exclusive: We might to special hockey history segment for the Big Chill so look out for that.
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Legacy of Gripers: 131 years and Growing
I was poking around the U-M Bentley Library tonight doing some research for the final segment of This Week in Michigan Football History for Saturday’s pregame show. I went over to page #1 of Wolverine lore: 1879 & the first game ever played against Racine College in Chicago at White Stockings Park. (No, the teams didn’t switch sides when they crossed midfield, hahar). The Bentley page for the 1879 team now includes a recap of the Racine game from the Michigan Chronicle, the student newspaper of the day. So check this out. Near the start of the first game ever played, before a point was officially tallied or a single line of history written, maize and blue backers had a major gripe with the referee over a call: I love that the writer took the high road on the disputed kick during the game but insisted “a kick was made” in the recap piece, and added the parting shot, “he is as liable to be mistaken as anyone else.” It’s in your blood, Michigan fan—getting screwed for 131 years.