Trinity's Ken Wilkins talks about Michigan commitment

another local leaving for a big-time program; the pain continues for Wannstedt.  But I just wonder what the parents are thinking .... for selfish reasons, I would want my son to stay local but, of course, would honor his decision.   And I would have no issue if his decision was to go to PSU, OSU, UVA (a beautiful place) ... but would throw him out of the house if he chose to play for Rich Sleasebag  (Big House or not!!

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I happen to know this fine young man, trust me he is going to do real well at UM. Looks like Pitt recruiting is in a tailspin.

I think dark days are ahead. Not a fan of RR, but UM is a great school.

agree that UM is a fine school with great tradition and fanfare ....  but as a parent, tne No. 1 criterion for me would be the coach.

Both Pitt and PSU have much higher character coaches  ... they also are proven in developing defesnive players.  Even Wanny (& Gattuso) are doing a real good job developing DLs and linebackers.

Indeed, Michigan is one of the top 4-5 public universities in the world and a chronic top 10 - 20 football program with the 2nd largest stadium that is never one seat empty on game day. And I'd say Rodriguez, last season excluded, has a spectacular record of taking marginal players and turning them into quality performers. Far more so than some other programs we're all familiar with.  And for a state that is lucky to have 2  blue chippers in any given year.

Absent all evidence, character is a beauty contest. And  I'm unaware RR has done any more or less to merit being called a  "sleasebag" than the next guys, including our local coaches.

May I suggest we cease  the angry name calling and spitting contest.  What we do know ...Michigan recruited Sir Rich, and not Dave W.  

One more note.  As a parent, I'd be greatly concerned about who my son would be playing for year #5. Heck, Carl from Waynesburg was a real stand-up Joe.  ;-)

RichRod works his own alma mater for a larger contract one year, then bolts the next year after his most embarrassing defeat ever ....  but then doesn't go quietly but makes unfounded allegations, and fights in court to try to get out of the contractual obligations for a buyout (which of course he lost.)

In summay, not only does he flee his alma mater at the 1st sign of trouble, he becomes very defensive and tries to put the total blame for his leaving on WVU.  Any coach with the minimal amount of class would have left, thanking his alma mater for the opportunity and support, and look forward to working at a place filled with tradition.  But NO ... not RichRod!

W-PIG,  I repeat, IMHO  "RichRod is a total sleaze"

Part 2:  but it doesn't stop with the above.  A big WVU backer and close friend of RichRod goes on record of saying that Rodriquez's replacement at WVU is way over his head as the new WVU coach.  Again, instead of keeping their mouths shut, thye decide to show everone just how classless they were.  If this booster really cared about WVU, he would have publicly supported the hiring, and express his concernns behind the scene with the WVU administration.

I assure you that numerous UM supporters were appalled and embarassed by the all of the haggling that went on with their new coach and his ex-employer .... and know that he is now on a short pier. Of course, if he wins 10 games and beats OSU, all is forgiven .... but if he continues to flounder, he will most likely be gone in a much shorter time than expected.

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collegessportsfan ...you said it all in 2 pithy observations amidst your ranting allegations and name-calling:

1. " ... if he wins 10 games and beats OSU, all is forgiven "

and

2. "...if he continues to flounder, he will most likely be gone"

Is there something new and profound in your message that doesn't apply @ UM, Pitt, and almost PSU?

Now, as for the issue of 2 West Virginians being classless ...they've mountaineers of company, as anyone who's ever been to a Sat. nite game in Morgantown might attest.  And offered with all due respect and sympathy to those Mountaineers who would concur in their embarassment for the occasional bad boy behavior of their fellow fans.

And the chances of UM getting it together, based upon his prior coaching experiences, would appear very reasonable.  He's had a handful of 10 or more victory seaons and won the Big East 4 of 7 seasons @ WV.  

So, as we might agree, you win, you grin.  Especially with a massive promotion to UM accompanied by an equally massive contract.  Despite his missteps, he's been a huge winner both places he's coached.  And in Ann Arbor he's smiling. Sour puss and grapes can be yours, it seems.