Big Ten Hits Michigan With Personal Foul

By MaizeAndBlueWahoo — November 6th, 2010 at 6:02 PM — 52 comments

Big Ten Hits Michigan With Personal Foul

Game Overshadowed By Further Penalties Under Rodriguez; Holding, Pass Interference Also Suspected

BY MICHAEL ROSENBERG, FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

The University of Michigan football program under Rich Rodriguez has been accused by Big Ten Conference officials of numerous violations of the NCAA rulebook during the Wolverines' game against Illinois on Saturday, the Free Press has learned.

Some of the allegations were confirmed during the game by the officials themselves.  When reached for comment, referee David Witvoet said, "Holding.  Offense #77.  Ten-yard penalty; repeat third down."  The Free Press identified #77 as freshman offensive lineman Taylor Lewan.  Lewan appeared to be unaware of the rules in an earlier media interview, saying he was sometimes flagged for excessive blocking and, "I don't even know if that's a rule."

The NCAA rulebook reads,

"Holding or illegal obstruction by a teammate of the ball carrier or passer applies to Rule 9-3-3-a: The hand(s) and arm(s) shall not be used to grasp, pull, or encircle in any way that illegally impedes or illegally obstructs an opponent."

But perhaps more troubling is the allegation of a personal foul that occurred during the course of the game.  Though Rodriguez has said in the past that "we don't coach our players to do that," the infraction, again confirmed by Big Ten officials, occurred in the third quarter of the Illinois game.  Personal fouls are considered a major violation of the NCAA rulebook.

In addition to those penalties already confirmed by the conference, Rodriguez's program is suspected of several other rulebook violations, accused by Illinois players who remain anonymous so as to protect them from possible repercussions.  On one play, during which there was contact between a Michigan defender and an Illinois receiver, the pass fell incomplete and the Illinois player was seen waving his hands in a manner that suggested a penalty flag should have been thrown.  Several parents of Illinois players - who will also remain anonymous to protect their sons from repercussions - confirmed the accusation, holding their hands to the back of their heads in disbelief.

When reached for comment, Rodriguez appeared calm.  "We need to be more aggressive at times and that time it paid off," he said.

Michigan won the game, 67-65.

However, with the program already on probation following the NCAA's confirmation and validation of an earlier Free Press investigation that resulted in the heaviest-ever NCAA sanctions against the Michigan program for earlier violations already committed under Rodriguez's watch, Athletic Director Dave Brandon may finally have no choice but to fire his embattled coach.  Brandon and President Mary Sue Coleman could not be reached for comment.  But a clause in Rodriguez's contract allows him to be fired for violations of the NCAA rulebook, and with Rodriguez already on a short leash it is thought that Brandon and the Michigan brass have already had discussions regarding his termination.

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November 6th, 2010 at 6:06 PM | good god (Score:1)
Michigan4Life
Joined: 07/29/2010
MGoPoints: 5674

ಠ_ಠ

November 6th, 2010 at 6:07 PM | How did you get the Freep's (Score:1)
NateVolk
NateVolk's picture
Joined: 07/19/2010
MGoPoints: 3827

How did you get the Freep's game story so fast?

"because character wins in life and character wins on the football field....."  1-11-11

November 6th, 2010 at 6:07 PM | This is so full of.... (Score:1)
phjhu89
Joined: 05/16/2009
MGoPoints: 385

win!

November 6th, 2010 at 6:32 PM | Picard Agrees! (Score:1)
UMAmaizinBlue
UMAmaizinBlue's picture
Joined: 09/23/2009
MGoPoints: 7280

"Blame no one. Expect nothing. Do something. That is attitude." -Bo

November 6th, 2010 at 6:08 PM | I have many rusty objects (Score:1)
DIABEETUS
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Joined: 09/29/2009
MGoPoints: 2311

I have many rusty objects that will serve as adequate weaponry, Michael.

Michigan: 903–315–36 (Best in NCAA)
vs Ohio State: 58-44-6
vs Notre Dame: 23-16-1
vs MSU:  68-32-5
vs B1G: 522-197-24
vs SEC:  20-8-1
vs PAC 12: 48-24-1
vs Big 12: 10-5-1<

November 6th, 2010 at 6:09 PM | I approve of this product and/or service (Score:1)
ituralde
Joined: 11/14/2009
MGoPoints: 412

And would like to subscribe to your magazine.

November 6th, 2010 at 6:10 PM | Nice work. (Score:1)
aaamichfan
aaamichfan's picture
Joined: 10/23/2009
MGoPoints: 14217

This was truly hilarious.

November 6th, 2010 at 6:11 PM | The sad part (Score:1)
InRodWeTrust333
InRodWeTrust333's picture
Joined: 11/19/2008
MGoPoints: 2330

I wouldn't have been surprised if it was real.

"When your team is losing, stick by them, keep believing." -Bo Schembechler

November 7th, 2010 at 11:57 AM | Sadder part... (Score:1)
WichitanWolverine
WichitanWolverine's picture
Joined: 09/30/2009
MGoPoints: 18

...I thought it was.

November 6th, 2010 at 6:11 PM | Link? (Score:1)
MGoShtoink
MGoShtoink's picture
Joined: 11/05/2010
MGoPoints: 7938

Link?

If this is for real, we all knew Rosenberg was an ignorant ass, but this is just piss poor.  He really wants to get RR fired, and seems to now be openly politiking for it.

The Freep needs to shut him down and fast.

November 6th, 2010 at 6:13 PM | I'm a fool (Score:1)
MGoShtoink
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Joined: 11/05/2010
MGoPoints: 7938

That is all.

November 6th, 2010 at 6:20 PM | S'ok, it's the best (Score:1)
MaizeAndBlueWahoo
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Joined: 07/02/2008
MGoPoints: 11821

S'ok, it's the best compliment you could possibly have paid me.

"We've beaten Michigan the last four years.  So where's the threat?"

- Mark Dantonio

Blogging the Virginia Cavaliers at http://fromoldvirginia.blogspot.com/<

November 6th, 2010 at 7:48 PM | How do you not smile at that (Score:1)
RowoneEndzone
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Joined: 09/27/2008
MGoPoints: 3121

How do you not smile at that one.  I hope it was a kid.  Like 9 years old kid.

"Wasn't that Michigan drive just great.  That's like Patton riding into Berlin." ~Bob Ufer

November 6th, 2010 at 10:04 PM | +1 for the original post. (Score:1)
Section 1
Section 1's picture
Joined: 06/29/2009
MGoPoints: 14306

And +1 million for this one.

 

 

November 6th, 2010 at 6:32 PM | Its like your reading his (Score:1)
Zoo Blue
Zoo Blue's picture
Joined: 11/02/2010
MGoPoints: 165

Its like your reading his mind

November 6th, 2010 at 6:40 PM | I can't believe you posted a (Score:1)
umhero
umhero's picture
Joined: 07/26/2009
MGoPoints: 2221

I can't believe you posted a whole article without a link back to the original.  I realize that we are boycotting their site, but we shouldn't repost unedited content.

/s

November 6th, 2010 at 6:42 PM | LULZ (Score:1)
Jivas
Jivas's picture
Joined: 07/06/2008
MGoPoints: 2373

What makes this so awesome is that it's only funny because we won.

And we won.

Denard's 2010 was spent redefining what one man can do.

November 7th, 2010 at 12:05 AM | we won (Score:1)
caliblue
Joined: 11/02/2008
MGoPoints: 371

But as usual we did not cover the spread. Damn.

Upholding maize and blue honor in a warm climate

November 6th, 2010 at 6:42 PM | Post of the year? (Score:1)
Tater
Tater's picture
Joined: 08/13/2008
MGoPoints: 10377

SSIA

 

 

 

November 6th, 2010 at 6:47 PM | Is Rodriguez guilty of (Score:1)
wildbackdunesman
Joined: 07/16/2008
MGoPoints: 2583

Is Rodriguez guilty of promoting an atmosphere of non-compliance between his players and the NCAA rule book?

November 6th, 2010 at 7:02 PM | Wait wait wait......this (Score:1)
mGrowOld
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Joined: 10/04/2010
MGoPoints: 13172

Wait wait wait......this isn't real? It might be tomorrow morning

 

 

November 6th, 2010 at 7:02 PM | Wait wait wait......this (Score:1)
mGrowOld
mGrowOld's picture
Joined: 10/04/2010
MGoPoints: 13172

Wait wait wait......this isn't real? It might be tomorrow morning

 

 

November 6th, 2010 at 7:27 PM | This was awesome.  Made my (Score:1)
bronxblue
Joined: 11/22/2008
MGoPoints: 12591

This was awesome.  Made my day.

November 6th, 2010 at 8:32 PM | Wait (Score:1)
zguy517
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Joined: 03/18/2010
MGoPoints: 2026

This is what made your day today?

November 6th, 2010 at 7:37 PM | Instant Classic (Score:1)
RowoneEndzone
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Joined: 09/27/2008
MGoPoints: 3121

Well done my friend.  I was panicked for like 8 seconds until I settled down and read 3 sentences in a row.

"Wasn't that Michigan drive just great.  That's like Patton riding into Berlin." ~Bob Ufer

November 6th, 2010 at 7:52 PM | I kept putting off opening this post because (Score:1)
Michigasling
Michigasling's picture
Joined: 11/21/2009
MGoPoints: 3279

I was so afraid it would make me depressed. 

I guess I was wrong. 

Well done.

November 6th, 2010 at 7:53 PM | Brilliant (Score:1)
Doctor Sardonicus
Joined: 09/18/2008
MGoPoints: 30

The best satire takes reality and twists it just a little bit to create absurdity.  That's why this is so perfectly done, it reads like a typical Rosenberg piece with all the snarky asides.

November 6th, 2010 at 10:35 PM | this post has so much win (Score:1)
hailtothevictors08
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Joined: 06/11/2009
MGoPoints: 876

i was scared as shit to open this ...

the sad part is i thought it was serious for at least 30 seconds because well, it sounded like a normal freep article

Just Win Baby

November 6th, 2010 at 8:29 PM | Fuck You Freep (Score:1)
Enjoy Life
Enjoy Life's picture
Joined: 07/02/2008
MGoPoints: 2477

FUCK YOU

FUCK YOU

FUC K YOU

FUC K YOU

 

FUCK YOU freep

Life should not be a journey to the grave to arrive safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What A Ride!" HST

November 7th, 2010 at 5:58 PM | Don't hold back... (Score:1)
Search4Meaning
Joined: 01/06/2010
MGoPoints: 2838

Tell us how you really feel!

Wolverine Nation Unite!

November 7th, 2010 at 6:20 PM | HMMM... (Score:1)
SHub'68
Joined: 09/29/2010
MGoPoints: 203

There's an idea.  I live in the southeast now and I'd like to try this next time I renew my plate:

FKU-FRP

What should I tell them it stands for?

November 6th, 2010 at 8:38 PM | Pure (Score:1)
Bummer
Joined: 09/05/2009
MGoPoints: 42

genius

November 6th, 2010 at 8:39 PM | Pure (Score:1)
Bummer
Joined: 09/05/2009
MGoPoints: 42

genius

November 6th, 2010 at 8:49 PM | Calling... (Score:1)
MGoShoe
MGoShoe's picture
Joined: 04/23/2009
MGoPoints: 19236

...Misopogon.  We have a nominee for Diarist of the Week.

LSA '89 - MBB Natl Champions, Big 10/Rose Bowl Champions | @MGoShoe

November 6th, 2010 at 9:40 PM | Awesome (Score:1)
kenwil
Joined: 07/05/2010
MGoPoints: 21

Great stuff. Also consider passing off more of your own opinion as information attributed to anonymous sources.

November 6th, 2010 at 10:00 PM | Grade "A" Text book douche burger! (Score:1)
dmcb32
Joined: 03/30/2010
MGoPoints: 90

What a douche!  lololololololol......Does Rosen"misquote" still have a job?  lololololol.....Dooooooooouuuuuuuuccccccchhhhhhh baaaaaaaaaaag!

November 6th, 2010 at 10:10 PM | You know, there was a holding call at WVU, too! (Score:1)
Section 1
Section 1's picture
Joined: 06/29/2009
MGoPoints: 14306

Under Rodriguez.  I'll just bet that the same thing happened with Tulane and Clemson.  Several Clemson boosters with knowledge of the program under Rodriguez recall a 15-yard facemask penalty, although they spoke on condition of anonymity, because they each had two first names. 

It can't be a coincidence.  We need an investigation.

 

 

November 6th, 2010 at 10:19 PM | I hope everyone at the Freep (Score:1)
Wolvmarine
Wolvmarine's picture
Joined: 08/28/2008
MGoPoints: 2428

I hope everyone at the Freep gets an eye disease that only makes it so they can see the colors Maze and Blue

All hail Hoke!

November 6th, 2010 at 11:18 PM | Don't toy with me (Score:1)
Blumanji
Blumanji's picture
Joined: 08/11/2010
MGoPoints: 379

I was scared to open it, pissed when I started reading it, then I was confused, now I'm laughing hysterically. I also had to explain to my wife why this was funny. Thank you, but I'm apparently still too tense after the game. Good work.

O-H-You-SUCK

November 6th, 2010 at 11:57 PM | Made my night (Score:1)
MileHighJK
Joined: 09/04/2010
MGoPoints: 31

A Comprehensive Glossary Of Gifs

 

Well done, sir, well done...

November 7th, 2010 at 12:17 AM | come here rosenberg (Score:1)
ttifiblog
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Joined: 06/30/2008
MGoPoints: 2703

avadakedavra

richrod has a glare for you

http://ttifi.blogspot.com/ for interesting vids

http://ttifiblog.tumblr.com/ for interesting pics

November 7th, 2010 at 12:24 AM | mother fucker, i thought it (Score:1)
switch26
Joined: 02/04/2010
MGoPoints: 2638

mother fucker, i thought it was real at first too, i got halfway and i had to read the comments to see if this was fake haha

November 7th, 2010 at 2:37 AM | Illinois personal foul on Tate (Score:1)
M go Bru
M go Bru's picture
Joined: 10/24/2008
MGoPoints: 63

I think the Illinois player who hit Tate out of bounds should be given an additional penalty beyond just the personal foul penalty he received.

I think he deserves at least a one game suspension. Is there any precedence for this in the Big Ten?

November 7th, 2010 at 6:43 AM | Yes! (Score:1)
Derek
Derek's picture
Joined: 06/30/2008
MGoPoints: 2390

Beautiful work! Watch out for attacks on the unethical message-board participants and their faux journalism in the Freep now, though.

LSA, Class of 2009

November 7th, 2010 at 8:48 AM | Very creative.  Just one (Score:1)
Red is Blue
Red is Blue's picture
Joined: 05/13/2010
MGoPoints: 1505

Very creative.  Just one question, what is this "Free Press" to which the article refers?  I wasn't aware that a journalist body with such a name and with any relevance still existed.

"Is There Anybody Out There?" Pink Floyd, The Wall.

November 7th, 2010 at 9:17 AM | I am just waiting for (Score:1)
wildbackdunesman
Joined: 07/16/2008
MGoPoints: 2583

I am just waiting for Rosenberg to write a Veterans Day article comparing Rod's regime to the Third Reich.

November 7th, 2010 at 9:37 AM | At first I thought this (Score:1)
Bobby Boucher
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Joined: 05/02/2009
MGoPoints: 668

At first I thought this thread was going to be about the Freep reporting that RR would be penalized by the B10 for punching penguins.

November 7th, 2010 at 11:25 AM | Very well done, sir.  I (Score:1)
tk47
tk47's picture
Joined: 06/13/2009
MGoPoints: 1021

Very well done, sir.  I especially liked the single-line mentioning the actual outcome of the game.  This is more like Rosenberg's writing than ... well, Rosenberg's writing.

Some people don't care for anti-Freep posts, but honestly, I'll never get sick of these.

 

Sometimes I think it's a sin
When I feel like I'm winnin when I'm losin again

November 7th, 2010 at 12:32 PM | these allegations are ridiculous (Score:1)
bluetell
bluetell's picture
Joined: 07/03/2008
MGoPoints: 4770

i'm sure that if you looked at any other program throughout the country, they would also be guilty of these ncaa rulebook violations

Rudy watches inspirational movies about Shawn Hunwick

 

November 7th, 2010 at 1:19 PM | Great (Score:1)
texasumfan
Joined: 10/31/2010
MGoPoints: 4

Love it!.  However, one point I must disagree on...  The Freep is needed.  Every puppy deserves a fresh one to do his business on each and every day. 

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