Brandon/RichRod/Antonio Bass at Alro Steel U-M Golf Day

Here's an article from the Jackson Citizen Patriot posted to mlive.com that covered last weekend's Alro Steel University of Michigan Golf Day.

Dave Brandon on the sanctions:

“Both the investigation conducted by the NCAA and our own investigation made it clear to me that we made some mistakes. What’s important is to admit that we made mistakes, find out what caused those mistakes to happen … ensure that they don’t happen again, and move on. I don’t see any purpose in whining about it or making excuses about it. Just understand there are things we could have done better, should have done better, and in the future will do better.”

Brandon on the relationship between Michigan athletics as a whole and the football program:

“I’m managing an athletic department, not just a football department. Make no mistake, I spend a lot of time connecting with the football program. Michigan athletics can’t be successful if Michigan football doesn’t lead our success.”

RichRod on turnovers (28 giveaways, 16 takeaways in 2009):

“That was a huge factor later in the year. We just didn’t take care of the ball. That was a big point of emphasis for us in the spring, that and eliminating all the negative yardage plays. If we can take care of those two things, we’ll be a lot better. We have to make sure we’re good with our fundamentals on how you carry the ball regarding fumbles, and regarding interceptions, making good decisions.”

RichRod on his expectations for the O-line:

“Our young guys are growing up. Two years ago, they were 18-year-old freshmen, now they look like 20-year-old men, so there’s a big difference there.”

Antonio Bass - still a member of the Michigan Footbal Family:

Antonio Bass wasn’t playing golf but was there visiting with members of the Michigan football family, which he says he hasn’t left since he suffered a career-ending knee injury in spring drills of his freshman year.

“Even with the transition from Coach (Lloyd) Carr to Coach Rodriguez, that has never changed. They haven’t changed toward me, and I haven’t changed toward them.”

Bass, a 2005 Jackson High School graduate, played in eight games, seeing time at quarterback and receiver, as a true freshman at Michigan. His injury not only ended a career that many felt could have continued in the NFL, but it has left Bass unable to take part in any real athletic activity.

“I’m able to work out to a certain extent. To do anything athletically, with my competitive spirit, that doesn’t match up too well. I wouldn’t be able to be nonchalant about it.”

Bass earned his degree from Michigan and is employed in inside sales at Alro Steel. He’s not sure about being a role model but said his experience “can show student-athletes that it’s not destined that if you go to college you’re going to play in the NFL or the NBA. The only person who knows if that’s going to happen is God, so you have to be prepared for anything. When you go to school, academics come before anything.”

Yes, Antonio, you are a role model for all student-athletes.