Bumping into Coaches Izzo and Dantonio

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May 23rd, 2011 at 11:40 AM
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GratefulBlue
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Bumping into Coaches Izzo and Dantonio

This past weekend, a family member of mine got hitched up at Bay Harbor in Petoskey. My girlfriend and I stayed at the hotel at Bay Harbor, and had the good fortune to be situated on the same floor as both Coach Izzo and Coach Dantonio. Apparently they were Up North for some sort of alumni event (Sparties rocking full green regalia littered the resort).

Long story short, my gf and I ended up on the elevator with them both on Friday evening, and had about 45 seconds to say hello. I let them know I was a Michigan grad, but my girlfriend is a former Spartan, so we had some common ground for peaceable conversation. Izzo was extremely friendly and classy. He shook hands warmly, chatted us up and let us know why he and Dantonio were at Bay Harbor, and generally seemed like the quality guy he's purported to be.

Dantonio, on the other hand, was sullen and unpleasant. He said almost nothing, and scowled a bit when I mentioned I was a Wolverine. He barely made eye contact with either me or my girlfriend when we shook hands, and it took some restraint for me not to ask him how recruiting's going. Instead, as we stepped off the elevator, I told Izzo that, even as a Michigan fan, I respected the hell out of the job he's done in East Lansing, and appreciated the positive role he's played both for MSU and for the state. I said nothing to Dantonio.

Nothing too significant here, just thought the MGoCommunity might appreciate the anecdote.

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May 23rd, 2011 at 11:43 AM | dantonio is a jerk. (Score:5 Normal)
tbeindit
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Joined: 01/28/2011
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dantonio is a jerk.

Follow:

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Tremendous

May 23rd, 2011 at 11:43 AM | Way to keep it classy. (Score:2 Normal)
All Aboard
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Joined: 01/03/2011
MGoPoints: 672

Way to keep it classy. Should've said something about recruiting though

ALL ABOARD THE A-TRAIN!!!!!

" ~ Herm "

May 23rd, 2011 at 12:18 PM | Probably best not to say anything about recruiting (Score:5 Normal)
Maize and Blue ...
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Joined: 03/15/2009
MGoPoints: 3516

I don't think Grateful Blue wanted a pack of Spartan football players showing up at his door for their annual beatdown.

May 23rd, 2011 at 11:44 AM | Part of me wants to yell at (Score:-1 Overrated)
May 23rd, 2011 at 11:44 AM | Cool story... (Score:5 Normal)
pkatz
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Joined: 01/22/2010
MGoPoints: 1298

ending would have been vastly improved if you had kicked Dantonio in the nuts, just for the fun of it

May 23rd, 2011 at 1:48 PM | I got all exctied (Score:3 Normal)
iawolve
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Joined: 11/03/2008
MGoPoints: 2488

I hoped he used his car when he bumped into Dantonio

May 23rd, 2011 at 11:46 AM | I would have scowled at you too.... (Score:-1 Overrated)
May 23rd, 2011 at 11:54 AM | Unless of course (Score:5 Normal)
SanDiegoWolverine
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Joined: 02/03/2009
MGoPoints: 1317

you're paid millions of dollars to be the face of hundreds of thousands alumni and represent your state. In that case you have to realize that is part of your job.

T

May 23rd, 2011 at 12:00 PM | Funny, I thought he was paid (Score:1 Normal)
chitownblue2
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Joined: 06/03/2009
MGoPoints: 7060

Funny, I thought he was paid millions to be a football coach.

wolverineliberationarmy.com/blog

May 23rd, 2011 at 12:10 PM | Usually it's only in the (Score:3 Insightful)
joeyb
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Joined: 10/12/2008
MGoPoints: 11300

Usually it's only in the hundreds of thousands to be a football coach. The millions come into play with PR-type stuff.

May 23rd, 2011 at 12:14 PM | Given the degree to which the (Score:5 Normal)
chitownblue2
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MGoPoints: 7060

Given the degree to which the local media has fawned over Dantonio, and how he maintains a national reputation of being a "tough disciplinarian" depite not punishing a soul on his roster, I'd say he has the PR thing aced.

wolverineliberationarmy.com/blog

May 23rd, 2011 at 3:13 PM | That's funny. I've seen MSU (Score:3 Normal)
chitownblue2
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That's funny.

I've seen MSU on at least 2 different national broadcasts in the past year in which the talking heads raved about how he was a strict disciplinarian and a man of god.

As a matter of fact, I'm positive you saw one of them, because it was this year's Michigan/MSU game.

wolverineliberationarmy.com/blog

May 23rd, 2011 at 3:52 PM | His local rep can be almost (Score:1)
jmblue
Joined: 11/07/2008
MGoPoints: 28963

His local rep can be almost totally attributed to the contrast he enjoyed with Rich Rodriguez in a state that can justifiably be called xenophobic

Where on earth does this come from?

May 23rd, 2011 at 3:25 PM | When a complete stranger goes (Score:3 Normal)
jmblue
Joined: 11/07/2008
MGoPoints: 28963

When a complete stranger goes out of his way to tell you on an elevator that he's a fan of your hated rival, are you really obligated to "represent" anything to him?  You're not going to win him over regardless.

 

May 23rd, 2011 at 12:08 PM | Yep...but (Score:0 Offtopic)
May 23rd, 2011 at 6:27 PM | I HATE the "stop and chat" (Score:0)
May 23rd, 2011 at 11:48 AM | Forgive Dantonio.  He's had a (Score:3 Normal)
ReadYourGuard
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Forgive Dantonio.  He's had a rough 2011.

"the Spirit of Michigan...is based on a deathless loyalty to Michigan and all her ways....and a conviction that nowhere is there a better university, in any way, than this Michigan of ours" - Fielding Yost
May 23rd, 2011 at 11:50 AM | You should have (Score:5 Funny)
Six Zero
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looked over at your gf and said "Oh, by the way, remind me to call my little brother when we get back.  I forgot that my little brother called and I should get back to him.  You know how my little brother gets if I don't call him back.  He is my little brother, after all."

And yes, I realize this is tasteless and rude.  But it's Dantonio.

May 23rd, 2011 at 1:24 PM | Or, you could have hummed (Score:5 Funny)
UMich87
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"Sweet Home, Alabama" for a couple of floors.

May 23rd, 2011 at 11:51 AM | cool story gratefulblue... (Score:3 Normal)
MGoBlake
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I would also like to commend you on your super bowl intros back in february

Formerly known as PahokeePahokee

May 23rd, 2011 at 11:55 AM | Polar Opposites (Score:1)
wolverinestuckinEL
Joined: 09/21/2010
MGoPoints: 183

Dantonio and Izzo couldn't be more different.  Personally I think Dantonio is a jerk, but most people who know him say he is just socially awkward.  I've seen him at events, in rooms filled with MSU supporters, hardly say a peep to anyone. 

May 23rd, 2011 at 12:03 PM | interesting point re: being socially inept (Score:5 Normal)
Erik_in_Dayton
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I didn't appreciate until watching some of RR's struggles at U of M (and I do not mean to start that discussion) just how important being a politician is for a coach at a big-time program.  Some people just aren't good at that - or at least they aren't good at doing it in some circumstances. 

It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future. -- Yogi Berra

                         

May 23rd, 2011 at 12:05 PM | Accurate assumptions on personality (Score:4 Normal)
langkyl
Joined: 08/13/2009
MGoPoints: 85

I'm also a Michigan grad, but I'm from Okemos, right outside of East Lansing. Like most of us, I have a ton of MSU friends, so I have some Kevin Bacon style friend of a friend relationships with Danonio and Izzo. Izzo is actually a pretty good friend of my uncle, and I hear nothing but great stories about him. He also is an extremely approachable, friendly man, when I 've met him on occassion.

A couple years ago, I went to a fundraiser for a girl with cancer, at the MSU football stadium. Dantonio was the guest speaker. During his speech, he referred to the girl incorrectly (by name), and I thought that was a bit strange. He also seems to be generally  unhappy, but maybe that's his public persona. I obviously don't know him personally.

Than again, I'd be angry too, if I had to compete with Hoke, and his recruiting excellence!

May 23rd, 2011 at 12:26 PM | Sounds like Dantonio should apply for a role (Score:1)
UMMAN83
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Joined: 11/26/2009
MGoPoints: 979

in grumpy, old men.  Its going to get worse for him.  I expect to see the scowl worsen with time.  Funny stuff.

Go Blue !!!

Dave Brandon: Detailed and thorough investigation proves that Freep report was intentionally misleading.

May 23rd, 2011 at 12:27 PM | serious omission (Score:4 Funny)
Moe Greene
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Joined: 08/01/2008
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No stinkpalm deployed for Dantonio? Bad form, indeed!

No radio. Nothing of value.

May 23rd, 2011 at 2:17 PM |  A small price to pay for the (Score:2)
ESNY
Joined: 11/06/2008
MGoPoints: 673

 A small price to pay for the smiting... of one's enemies.

May 23rd, 2011 at 12:28 PM | Probably bitter about... (Score:2 Normal)
Will Vereene
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Joined: 10/15/2010
MGoPoints: 83

Michigan drinking ALL his milk shake...

 

"I was gone before that guy wrecked the place, but it still disappoints"

May 23rd, 2011 at 12:31 PM | The differences you describe (Score:2)
Blue-Chip
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The differences you describe are exactly what I would have expected.

Your friendly neighborhood contrarian.

May 23rd, 2011 at 12:35 PM | well, we're extrapolating from a sample of one and (Score:1)
MGlobules
Joined: 11/17/2008
MGoPoints: 5146

he might have had indigestion or just learned that his favorite uncle died, but I'd say Coach D is an unpleasant person, too. 

May 23rd, 2011 at 12:35 PM | Sort of OT I know but i had (Score:2)
mGrowOld
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MGoPoints: 13167

Sort of OT I know but i had the occasion to meet and talk to Tressel several years ago at a banquet here in Northern Ohio.  Sad to say I thought i understood how he was able to lock down the borders of the state in recruiting - he was very nice and hospitable to me and i was flying the full colors (maize n blue embossed M polo) while we spoke.

Now i find out he had even powerful weapons in his recruiting arsenal.

 

 

May 23rd, 2011 at 1:53 PM | His use of Sex Panther cologne? (Score:3 Funny)
iawolve
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Joined: 11/03/2008
MGoPoints: 2488

60% of the time, it works everytime

May 23rd, 2011 at 12:37 PM | Cool story (Score:3 Normal)
bluewave720
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Joined: 07/17/2009
MGoPoints: 928

I don't know if it would have been possible to ask the question about recruiting without smiling knowingly immediately after.  That could have sparked an incident, or at least given Dantonio a chance to dress you down in front of your gf, which obviously would have sucked.  However, there probably was a 50% chance that if the two of you had exchanged unpleasantries, it would have ended with something like:

MD:  "You don't know what you're talking about you little shit!"
GB:  "I know you can't win a recruiting head-to-head right now vs. Coach Hoke."
MD:  "This is ridiculous.  I eat pieces of shit like you for breakfast!"
GB:  "You eat pieces of shit for breakfast!?"
Elevator door opens, you walk out with him still pointing his finger at you.
Fin.

 

 

"Coach, if you need one yard, I'll get you three yards. If you need five yards, I'll get you three yards." -Leroy Hoard

May 23rd, 2011 at 12:54 PM | or·ner·y   (Score:3 Normal)
mGrowOld
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Joined: 10/04/2010
MGoPoints: 13167

or·ner·y

 

 [awr-nuh-ree] Show IPA

–adjective, -ner·i·er, -ner·i·est. Dialect .
1.
ugly and unpleasant in disposition or temper: No one can get along with my ornery cousin.
2.
stubborn: I can't do a thing with that ornery mule.
3.
low or vile.

4.
inferior or common; ordinary.  
 
So very well named........

 

 

May 23rd, 2011 at 1:12 PM | I think it's fair to say that (Score:4 Normal)
Eyebrowse
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Joined: 07/06/2009
MGoPoints: 1388

I think it's fair to say that we've all known Sean Ornery is a troll for a long time, but hearing of your Michigan State fandom is a new and exciting twist to the saga.

May 23rd, 2011 at 1:59 PM | Is your real name (Score:2 Funny)
lbpeley
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Joined: 01/29/2009
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Mark Dantonio?

May 23rd, 2011 at 2:36 PM | Mark Ornery.... (Score:2 Insightful)
ReadYourGuard
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Joined: 08/21/2008
MGoPoints: 6191

Are you always an insufferable dickhead?

 

"the Spirit of Michigan...is based on a deathless loyalty to Michigan and all her ways....and a conviction that nowhere is there a better university, in any way, than this Michigan of ours" - Fielding Yost
May 23rd, 2011 at 12:47 PM | eh (Score:1)
GunnersApe
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Joined: 11/19/2009
MGoPoints: 4101

I'd ASS-U-ME that MD is an introvert, I'm not defending him but I know how painful It can be to talk to people. Having said that I still have wish only bad things for his program.

 

Fuck it, Dude, let's go bowling.

May 23rd, 2011 at 12:53 PM | I'm introvert (Score:2 Normal)
Michigan4Life
Joined: 07/29/2010
MGoPoints: 5663

but that doesn't give you the right to be a douchebag to people who wants to strike up converstation with you no matter how hard it is to talk to people.  From all account from what I hear about Dantonio, he is an ass-hat.

May 23rd, 2011 at 1:25 PM | As am I (Score:1 Normal)
GunnersApe
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Joined: 11/19/2009
MGoPoints: 4101

MD made his bed by being a HC, I give two shits if he an Introvert or a ra-tard, whatever, that’s MSU's problem.

Sad thing is if I was in that elevator I wouldn't of said a word to either of them, I'm sure my wife would say something (she would talk to a tree stump) and I would join in IF needed. Now if Bo was in that elevator security would have to peel me off his leg.

Fuck it, Dude, let's go bowling.

May 23rd, 2011 at 7:53 PM | I read this as "He is an ass-hat" (Score:2)
M-Wolverine
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Joined: 10/04/2009
MGoPoints: 38778

"As am I".*





*Making no judgement of The poster...just how it came off.

"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk

May 24th, 2011 at 7:35 AM | Ass-hat (Score:2 Normal)
GunnersApe
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Joined: 11/19/2009
MGoPoints: 4101

I like to think of myself as more of a D%^khead.

Fuck it, Dude, let's go bowling.

May 23rd, 2011 at 1:55 PM | I'm an introvert too, but I (Score:2)
saveferris
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Joined: 07/02/2009
MGoPoints: 3076

I'm an introvert too, but I still can make small talk and be cordial amongst strangers when the situation call for it.  Lloyd Carr is a guy who I'd describe as an introvert. 

Honestly, from the description from the OP, Dantonio sounds more anti-social than introverted, which for a head coach, is kind of a bad combination.

 

"...what do you say, is it the new Bluesmobile or what?"

"Fix the cigarette lighter."

May 23rd, 2011 at 2:10 PM | Anti-social behavior (Score:2)
Njia
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Joined: 09/15/2009
MGoPoints: 6038

Would seem to include public flatulence, but the OP didn't say anything about it.

OP: Did you catch a sudden whiff of malodorous air when you were talking with Dantonio?

"If life is the road, then Ohio is simply a place to stop for gas." -- Scott Burgess, Detroit News, 9/16/2010
May 23rd, 2011 at 7:14 PM | Those things your mother (Score:1)
glewe
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Joined: 08/25/2010
MGoPoints: 444

Those things your mother calls anti-social aren't really anti-social.

Twenty-two Michigan Wolverines
put on the gloves of gray.
And as Revelli played The Victors,
they laid Woody Hayes away.

May 23rd, 2011 at 1:00 PM | Unless I'm with friends, (Score:2)
aaamichfan
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Joined: 10/23/2009
MGoPoints: 14217

Unless I'm with friends, talking in an elevator isn't something I'm really interested in doing. Even if I were in an elevator with Izzo and Dantonio, I probably wouldn't have said a word.

May 23rd, 2011 at 1:35 PM | My General Rule, as well (Score:2)
Njia
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Joined: 09/15/2009
MGoPoints: 6038

But last year, I was on an elevator with Brock Mealer. He was headed up to one of the suites before the Iowa game. I took the time to shake his hand and say hello. That seemed like a worthy time to break my own rule on elevator etiquette.

"If life is the road, then Ohio is simply a place to stop for gas." -- Scott Burgess, Detroit News, 9/16/2010
May 23rd, 2011 at 1:02 PM | Dantonio is not a PR guy (Score:2 Normal)
Wolvrin704
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Joined: 11/17/2009
MGoPoints: 214

He was like that when he was here at Cincinnati. He refused to help push ticket sales because he hated having to do any PR. When he went to MSU I wished my brother luck because I said while Dantonio can coach he is not someone you want to be the public face of your school. If he were a Dr we would say he has no bedside manners.

May 23rd, 2011 at 1:06 PM | Maybe (Score:0 Flamebait)
May 23rd, 2011 at 1:46 PM | Aha! (Score:2)
saveferris
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Joined: 07/02/2009
MGoPoints: 3076

I've been mystified how Dantonio hasn't been able to convert MSU's onfield success the past few seasons into attracting a higher caliber of recruit to East Lansing.    After hearing this story and the picture it paints of Dantonio's personna, it starts to make more sense.

 

"...what do you say, is it the new Bluesmobile or what?"

"Fix the cigarette lighter."

May 23rd, 2011 at 9:29 PM | Success relative to us the (Score:1)
Run 2 Daylight
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Joined: 09/01/2009
MGoPoints: 2275

Success relative to us the past three years isn't promotion worthy success. 

Go Blue!

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