national champs baby
Jury's still out on Rodriguez
My brother-in-law, a die-hard Wolverine fan and long-time high school coach in West Michigan, had dinner with Rich Rod at one of those recent coaching clinics/camps. My brother-in-law was amazed at the amount of F-bombs our esteemed head football coach dropped during their dinner together. He went to Lloyd and Gary Moeller's camps for years and NEVER heard that kind of language thrown around so egregiously.
Let's face it, Rich Rod doesn't come to Ann Arbor with the intellectual and character credentials normally associated with Michigan football coaches. He still has a ton to prove at the big time college level and successful results on the field will make up for his hick-ish, base behavior.
I can forgive our players for the occasional DUI or fight, they're young men after all. The coaches, however, get a much shorter leash. Unless I'm missing something, you never hear stories about Pete Carroll, Jim Tressel or Urban Meyer dropping F-bombs left and right in front of alumni and in-state coaches.
I'm not pining for the good ole days of Lloyd. He had a nice run but the momentum was fading after that Appy State debacle. But since Rich Rod was our third choice, we should afford him that level of respect and devotion until he proves himself.
Let's face it, Rich Rod doesn't come to Ann Arbor with the intellectual and character credentials normally associated with Michigan football coaches. He still has a ton to prove at the big time college level and successful results on the field will make up for his hick-ish, base behavior.
I can forgive our players for the occasional DUI or fight, they're young men after all. The coaches, however, get a much shorter leash. Unless I'm missing something, you never hear stories about Pete Carroll, Jim Tressel or Urban Meyer dropping F-bombs left and right in front of alumni and in-state coaches.
I'm not pining for the good ole days of Lloyd. He had a nice run but the momentum was fading after that Appy State debacle. But since Rich Rod was our third choice, we should afford him that level of respect and devotion until he proves himself.
July 13th, 2009 at 3:54 PM | 
I'm of the mindset that he
I'm of the mindset that he
July 13th, 2009 at 5:25 PM |
Consideration is granted, respect is earned
Consideration is granted, respect is earned
We can question the status quo and still be fans.
Not allowed to post
July 13th, 2009 at 3:55 PM |
Huh?
Huh?
Why is it that you think swearing or not swearing has anything to say about a person's intellect?
Instead of swearing, Pete Carroll rips his shirt off with the rest of his staff and whips his players into a roaring, fleshy frenzy. And, actually, Pete Carroll is known for swearing in situations a lot more public than the one you're bummed out about.
July 13th, 2009 at 4:13 PM |
Can't get the sound to work on that clip
Can't get the sound to work on that clip
Swearing at a ref, or swearing for emphasis is more or less acceptable. Swearing with alumni and coaches might be taken the wrong way. It's a judgment call.
Not allowed to post
July 13th, 2009 at 4:18 PM |
He's swearing at Mike
He's swearing at Mike
He's swearing at Mike Bellotti from across the field because Bellotti challenged his challenge.
July 13th, 2009 at 3:55 PM |
Wait, you're implying that Bo
Wait, you're implying that Bo
Wait, you're implying that Bo or Lloyd didn't swear like a one eyed contractor when not confronting the public?
"This is the EMU game, not the emo game."
July 13th, 2009 at 4:03 PM |
Take it or leave it!
Take it or leave it!
I value my brother-in-law's opinion... He's a former d-1 football player and long-time coach. He's been around plenty of swearing in locker rooms and during games. He's not particularly religious and isn't scared off by profanity.
His impression was that Rich Rod was not a classy guy in that situation.
Not allowed to post
July 13th, 2009 at 4:19 PM |
I see. Does this brother in
I see. Does this brother in
I see. Does this brother in law have a name? Where did he play? Where does he coach? Position? Number? Was he a starter or a backup.
Seriously now, "My brother in law said this, and he's cool so I believe him, and you should too", is not a valid argument.
"This is the EMU game, not the emo game."
July 13th, 2009 at 5:00 PM |
I didn't know GVSU is a D1
I didn't know GVSU is a D1
I didn't know GVSU is a D1 team.
July 13th, 2009 at 3:58 PM |
this ain't his
this ain't his
first fuckin' rodeo, son.
also, where's the local ND fan.. alls he has to do say say a few hail mary's and go to confession, then BOOM HEAVEN'D.
Harvard: The MICHIGAN of the East
We're not arrogant, we're just better.
July 13th, 2009 at 3:58 PM |
Also, do you think that Bo
Also, do you think that Bo
Also, do you think that Bo would have been a docile dinner guest? Woody Hayes? Yes, maybe I'd prefer that Rodriguez carried himself with slightly more grace publicly like Lloyd, but he's a football coach! From West Virginia! It's okay! There's something to be said for giving the impression of being a badass when you're a football coach.
July 13th, 2009 at 4:01 PM |
tradeoffs?
tradeoffs?
So, if we finished 9-3 last year, would you be fine with him, salty language and all?
No radio. Nothing of value.
July 14th, 2009 at 2:58 AM |
Possibly
Possibly
9 - 3 gives you a bit more latitude, right? I'm not advocating for that viewpoint, but the superstars get a longer leash in our society.
Again, I'm just passing along what I heard.
Not allowed to post
July 13th, 2009 at 4:01 PM |
Chemical castration.
Chemical castration.
Chemical castration.
When your team is winning, be ready to be tough, because winning can make you soft. On the other hand, when your team is losing, stick by them. Keep believing. -- Bo Schembechler
July 13th, 2009 at 4:01 PM |
I find that hard to believe
I find that hard to believe
I find that hard to believe that Rich Rod would drop the f-bomb at a dinner. While he is coaching is more likely he drops the f-bomb.
July 13th, 2009 at 4:05 PM |
You can be skeptical but...
You can be skeptical but...
My brother-in-law has been around football and is not the type to spread unfounded rumors. But I wasn't at the dinner, maybe my impression would've been different.
Not allowed to post
July 13th, 2009 at 4:08 PM |
If Rich Rod was actually
If Rich Rod was actually
If Rich Rod was actually swearing a lot at dinners with coaches, don't you think that the media would of said something about how he isn't a Michigan Man? I think you misunderstood what your in-law was implying.
July 14th, 2009 at 2:55 AM |
You may be right
You may be right
But he's not a Rich Rod fan, from what I can tell. Maybe that colored his impression of him.
It's funny, when I first heard the story my reaction was to defend Rich Rod. But then it stuck with me and I decided to share it.
Not allowed to post
July 13th, 2009 at 4:01 PM |
count me as one of the people
count me as one of the people
count me as one of the people that likes a coach that drops F-bombs.
No question, Jim.
July 13th, 2009 at 4:38 PM |
I like it
I like it
Count me as a guy that likes a coach who drops the F-bomb as well. I like Rich Rod as a coach. I like his style as a person. He has done much better at handling the media than I ever would. I've also gotta say that as someone who is younger (24) and have played plenty of different athletics the past few years I'd be a little shocked if that influenced a recruits decision.
July 13th, 2009 at 5:02 PM |
Preach it brother!
Preach it brother!
Preach it brother!
Cranky, long-time MGoBlogger, prone to shooting his mouth off from time-to-time, missing the days of the neg-bang and a proud member of the "06/30/2008 Club".
July 13th, 2009 at 4:02 PM |
uh huh
uh huh
"with the intellectual and character credentials normally associated with Michigan football coaches"
That Bo was a real fuckin Rhodes Scholar, let me tell ya.
great and omniscient Grand Poobah of the WLA
July 13th, 2009 at 4:02 PM |
Eat shit and die frog face
Eat shit and die frog face
Well, as long as your brother in law said it, it must be true.
Maybe swearing and cursing will get RR fired this year, and not losses.
You maybe be onto something here.
Potato salad mother fucker.
Time wounds all heels. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwGXMryTbwE
July 13th, 2009 at 4:04 PM |
3rd choice?
3rd choice?
On what basis are you saying he was our third choice? From what I understand, the actual decision-makers at UM never pursued Miles. They did offer Schiano. That might make Rodriguez a 2nd choice. However, from what I understand, Michigan did not even consider Rodriguez as a possibility (i.e. not a "choice" at all) until after Schiano, when he approached them.
Language aside, I have been around Rodriguez in person and he comes off as very direct and big-hearted. Being a good guy can take different forms, and I can only speculate, but Rodriguez, to me, seems like one.
You are correct: the jury is out. But I think it is unfair to call him "hickish" and inaccurate to call him "third choice."
July 13th, 2009 at 4:07 PM |
I'll back off hickish
I'll back off hickish
Hickish is a cheap shot. The first choice was Les Miles. I'm glad to hear that Rich Rod is making a good impression with other Michigan folks.
Not allowed to post
July 13th, 2009 at 4:12 PM |
Miles was the first choice of
Miles was the first choice of
Miles was the first choice of a bunch of noisy fans and alumni - what is your proof that he was the first choice of Bill Martin? I heard a ton of noise that Carr would never allow Miles to be hired, thus he was not even a choice.
'Murica & Footbaw: That's what Michigan Does
July 13th, 2009 at 4:05 PM |
Gary Moeller didn't just drop
Gary Moeller didn't just drop
Gary Moeller didn't just say fuck at dinner, he hit his wife. Yay, Michigan men!
When your team is winning, be ready to be tough, because winning can make you soft. On the other hand, when your team is losing, stick by them. Keep believing. -- Bo Schembechler
July 13th, 2009 at 4:36 PM |
Did he?
Did he?
Did he hit his wife at that dinner? I don't remember that aspect, I was under the impression that he was just sloppy drunk and being loud and embarrassing.
"Everyone gets dumped Gabe. Let me give you some advice: a little coverup on your Adams Apple will make it appear smaller. Which will make you appear less like a transvestite."
July 13th, 2009 at 7:07 PM |
No he didn't hit her... but I
No he didn't hit her... but I
No he didn't hit her... but I remember he threatened to.
When your team is winning, be ready to be tough, because winning can make you soft. On the other hand, when your team is losing, stick by them. Keep believing. -- Bo Schembechler
July 13th, 2009 at 4:05 PM |
F-bombs?
F-bombs?
Food fight?
July 13th, 2009 at 4:06 PM |
Let me play devils advocate
Let me play devils advocate
Let me play devils advocate for a second and ask why the intellectual credentials of a head coach matters? To me, as a 24 year old still-in-college-because-I-thought-grad-school-would-be-fun student, your post seems a lot like the old guy yelling to get off his lawn. Times change. My grandparents never cuss and swear, but yet I do. Is it a difference in character or in the times? I would suggest the second because I am a pretty respectful guy. If I was a 17 to 22 year old kid I don't think I would even notice the F-bombs. I don't think they are viewing the coaching staff in the same lens that the alumni base is.
I would also disagree that he has a lot to prove at the 'big time college level' as well. I guess every coach has something to prove each season, but doesn't his seasonal and bowl record at WVU count as something?
Part of me wants a coach that is a character right from an Ernest Hemingway novel, or at least a guy that can quote from one, but part of me thinks that the idea is pretty old fashioned for 2009. I want a head coach that cares about the kids on the team, that helps the kids develop into young men, and can win some big ten titles...in that order. From my point of view, Rich Rod is doing a fine job.
Are you a park ranger at Yellowstone? Say hi to Yogi Bear for me. - the_big_house 500th
I may not be a 70 year old man. - Herm
July 13th, 2009 at 4:06 PM |
"successful results on the
"successful results on the
"successful results on the field will make up for his hick-ish, base behavior."
wow...this is a more ignorant statement that swearing in the company of other coaches.
He's a football coach, not a grammar coach or etiquette instructor. I hear multiple f-bombs at work and after work daily, and I live in a big city with lots of yuppies. This is the real world, not effing Disney Land.
'Murica & Footbaw: That's what Michigan Does
July 13th, 2009 at 4:07 PM |
Egad!
Egad!
Egad! Coach Rodriguez uses profanities such as the much maligned "f-bomb?!" I nearly spat Earl Gray all over my silk cravat when I read this most displeasing news! Ah well. I suppose I shall have to spend more time patronizing the cricket field.
Oh fiddlesticks.
July 13th, 2009 at 4:18 PM |
Profanity
Profanity
Is used by almost everyone, but it's not what you might want to be known/remembered for.
Not allowed to post
July 13th, 2009 at 4:33 PM |
I daresay...
I daresay...
...provided Coach Rodriguez is not summarily fired as soon as Bill Martin reads this post, that he might even stand the chance to be remembered for his win/loss record! Provided, of course, we even allow this mountain ruffian the chance to sully our ears for even one more profanity-laden moment.
July 13th, 2009 at 4:07 PM |
And,,,,
And,,,,
Charlie don't surf!
Time wounds all heels. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwGXMryTbwE
July 13th, 2009 at 4:08 PM |
FACT:
FACT:
As soon as he made himself available, he was the 1st choice.
BOOM FACT'd
Harvard: The MICHIGAN of the East
We're not arrogant, we're just better.
July 13th, 2009 at 4:08 PM |
come on
come on
I agree with the guy - why can't RR just get drunk and fight some cops in a shitty restaurant like a real MICHIGAN MAN?
great and omniscient Grand Poobah of the WLA
July 13th, 2009 at 4:10 PM |
And then he can piss on a
And then he can piss on a
And then he can piss on a sidewalk, like our cherished hockey coach. THE MICHIGAN DIFFERENCE.
When your team is winning, be ready to be tough, because winning can make you soft. On the other hand, when your team is losing, stick by them. Keep believing. -- Bo Schembechler
July 13th, 2009 at 4:21 PM |
First of all
First of all
What the hell is wrong with pissing on a sidewalk?
Secondly, Red pissed on a fucking sidewalk? I wish I was at that party!
July 13th, 2009 at 4:46 PM |
absolutely,
absolutely,
positively, motherfucking seconded
+1
July 13th, 2009 at 5:44 PM |
I heard Red actually peed
I heard Red actually peed
I heard Red actually peed against the side of the Grad Library (seriously).
July 13th, 2009 at 5:44 PM |
This is what I recall.
This is what I recall.
This is what I recall.
wolverineliberationarmy.com/blog
July 13th, 2009 at 7:06 PM |
Did he? I thought sidewalk...
Did he? I thought sidewalk...
Did he? I thought sidewalk... but I was like 10 at the time, so I'm probably wrong.
When your team is winning, be ready to be tough, because winning can make you soft. On the other hand, when your team is losing, stick by them. Keep believing. -- Bo Schembechler
July 14th, 2009 at 6:08 PM |
I think he's earned the right
I think he's earned the right
I think he's earned the right to piss wherever he wants to in Ann Arbor.
July 13th, 2009 at 4:15 PM |
Are we holding Rich Rod up to Gary Moeller's stadards?
Are we holding Rich Rod up to Gary Moeller's stadards?
I mentioned Gary Moeller's tenure because that's the history my brother-in-law has with the coaching staff.
Not allowed to post
July 13th, 2009 at 4:24 PM |
Lloyd Carr used to beat hobos
Lloyd Carr used to beat hobos
Lloyd Carr used to beat hobos with a garden hose for sexual pleasure. I saw it.
great and omniscient Grand Poobah of the WLA
July 13th, 2009 at 4:26 PM |
My brother-in-law saw Lloyd
My brother-in-law saw Lloyd
My brother-in-law saw Lloyd kick a baby seal
'Murica & Footbaw: That's what Michigan Does
July 13th, 2009 at 4:28 PM |
My brother in law is a very
My brother in law is a very
My brother in law is a very well respected concession stand worker at a prominent movie theater and he saw Bo pull the popcorn trick on a teenage girl in the lobby
great and omniscient Grand Poobah of the WLA
July 13th, 2009 at 4:30 PM |
my great grandfather saw
my great grandfather saw
my great grandfather saw fritz crisler snort coke off a strippers ass
'Murica & Footbaw: That's what Michigan Does
I'm of the mindset that he deserves our respect and devotion regardless of whether he proves himself, but that's just me. It goes without saying that he needs to win on the field. It should also go without saying that Michigan fans should support their coach, especially when he hasn't done anything for us not to support him. And no, dropping some F-bombs at dinner doesn't qualify. Everybody's different, but all are deserving of respect in their jobs until they prove to you unequivacally that they suck.