Desmond Howard at the Football Bust

100 posts / 0 new
Login or register to post comments
Last post
December 13th, 2011 at 11:54 AM
#1
KSmooth
KSmooth's picture
Joined: 11/14/2009
MGoPoints: 724
Desmond Howard at the Football Bust

Am I the only one who had a sour taste in his mouth after listening to Desmond Howard's remarks at the football bust last night?  Howard went out of his way to comment on the Rodriguez era, clearly indicating that Rodriguez was a mistake -- he seemed to want to compare the hiring of Rodriguez to New Coke.

Now I was ambivalent about the whole spread option thing myself.  I know a lot of well-meaning people were frustrated with RichRod, and Hoke's successes leave them feeling vindicated.  But if we're being fair I think we have to agree that Rodriguez got some tough breaks (The Freep Jihad) and more to the point, the football bust is a time to celebrate this year, not dwell on the past.  Desmond Howard has ample opportunity to criticize prior coaches and it is his right to do so, but last night was not the time or the place.

He doesn't want to go down!

Top
Tags:

Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.
December 13th, 2011 at 11:55 AM | To keep it simple (Score:-1 Normal)
December 13th, 2011 at 11:58 AM | Not according to (Score:5 Normal)
TRSaunders
TRSaunders's picture
Joined: 07/07/2008
MGoPoints: 4241

Phil Sims

Posted from my Dell Venue Pro

Brilliant!

"There will be blood on the field and it won't be mine" - K

December 14th, 2011 at 1:53 PM | posted from iPhone (Score:1)
1blockradius
Joined: 11/05/2011
MGoPoints: 51

Anyone have a transcript of what Desmond said ? I asked him about it on twitter and he seemed pissed claiming "i didnt say anything about rich rod, only the players did". Id like to read it for myself....

December 13th, 2011 at 12:04 PM | So Jim Harbaugh was just fine (Score:5 Normal)
justingoblue
justingoblue's picture
Joined: 11/16/2010
MGoPoints: 10854

So Jim Harbaugh was just fine with his academic comments? Braylon has never said anything questionable?

Desmond's play really has nothing to do with how tasteful his comments are. Personally, I wasn't there and I'm not about to say that he should or shouldn't have said anything, but that's some bad logic right there.

Go Blue!

December 13th, 2011 at 12:08 PM | Not that I disagree with you, (Score:5 Normal)
unWavering
unWavering's picture
Joined: 01/13/2011
MGoPoints: 1765

Not that I disagree with you, but what exactly was wrong about Jim Harbaugh's comments?  He called out the school for encouraging players to take "easy" majors, and for changing academic standards for athletes.  Those are very valid things to call out, IMO.

December 13th, 2011 at 12:17 PM | They incited a lot of (Score:5 Normal)
justingoblue
justingoblue's picture
Joined: 11/16/2010
MGoPoints: 10854

They incited a lot of controversy with his timing, for one. I know a lot of people here view it as a cheap shot that he took, and I tend to agree. On top of that, I remember hearing that most of Stanford's football team were enrolled in a degree program that wasn't exactly mechanical engineering or mathematics. I'll look for the link here, since I think it was Brian's writing (kind of like he did with Purdue).

If Harbaugh was actually trying to help, I think he could have used other avenues to encourage M football players to study "more useful" fields.

Go Blue!

December 13th, 2011 at 12:32 PM | I didn' t know him (Score:5 Normal)
Wendyk5
Joined: 11/20/2008
MGoPoints: 3130

I didn' t know him personally, but Jim Harbaugh was in one of my classes, and he never came to class. Maybe once or twice. It would be one thing if he had been a serious student, but when you don't go to class (and the rumors were that his girlfriend would take the same classes and get the notes), I don't know how you can legitimately call out an institution for its academic shortcomings. Pot calling the kettle black. 

December 13th, 2011 at 1:49 PM | He was in both (Score:2 Normal)
maizenbluenc
maizenbluenc's picture
Joined: 07/21/2009
MGoPoints: 2677

of the History classes I took. He sat in the back with a few other players, and seemed to generally be there. That said History is what he wanted to major in rather than general studies or whatever he claimed to be guided to do.

While he is egocentric, and does have a fast mouth, I think his point was in the right interest. I hosted a high school baseball player one year, who went on to pitch for Long Beach State, and now in the minors. His other interest was architecture. He wanted to study it, but his mother and his coach made him go through the easy program. I always felt it was a shame, and would really like to see student athletes major in something other than football or basketball.

December 13th, 2011 at 2:44 PM | Some of that is about being (Score:3 Normal)
Feat of Clay
Feat of Clay's picture
Joined: 08/10/2009
MGoPoints: 2865

Some of that is about being practical, not about having low expectations for your athletes' academic abilities, focus, or dedication.   The reality is, you need to choose a major in which you can be successful despite a constrained schedule which might include frequent absences, the inability to attend office hours, the inability to attend study sessions or workgroups, the inability to be there for extended studio or clinical hours....the list goes on.  

I completely understand the handwringing over it (I am a nerdy academic myself), and the butthurt from people like Harbaugh who feel insulted or cheated when are dissuaded from majoring in what they are passionate about.  But when you talk to a Division I athlete who DID major in something with those kinds of time commitments, the stories are pretty daunting.   I wonder how much sleep Huyge gets.  Yikes.

 

 

Candace: No... That why they make smart word box for tell monkey hard brain-hurty things.
Phineas: Removing prepositions makes it more condescending.
December 13th, 2011 at 5:33 PM | Yeah, this is where (Score:1)
maizenbluenc
maizenbluenc's picture
Joined: 07/21/2009
MGoPoints: 2677

the class at your own pace scandal seemed a bit ridiculous to me. For some subjects, flexibility isn't going to really impact what you learn.

December 13th, 2011 at 12:18 PM | First of all, we don't know (Score:3 Normal)
DetroitBlue
DetroitBlue's picture
Joined: 07/02/2008
MGoPoints: 1121

First of all, we don't know if kids are directed into "easy" majors to keep them eligible.  Secondly, IIRC Brian actually followed up on this at the time and found out that a significant percentage of Stanford football players had the same major, just like they do at U of M and a lot of other schools.  Finally, to wait until after Bo dies to bring that type of thing up is inexcusable.  If he has a problem with the program or the way it's operated, he should man up and say so, rather than waiting until Bo dies so he won't be called out on it.  Basically then, he is either lying or, at the very least, being very disengenous about the whole situation, and being cowardly about it to boot.    

December 13th, 2011 at 12:23 PM | Found it: (Score:5 Normal)
justingoblue
justingoblue's picture
Joined: 11/16/2010
MGoPoints: 10854

http://mgoblog.com/content/destroy-harbaugh

Go Blue!

December 13th, 2011 at 12:46 PM | That was the post I was (Score:1 Normal)
DetroitBlue
DetroitBlue's picture
Joined: 07/02/2008
MGoPoints: 1121

That was the post I was thinking of but too lazy to look for.  Nice find.  

December 13th, 2011 at 1:56 PM | First of all, we don't know (Score:1 Normal)
jmblue
Joined: 11/07/2008
MGoPoints: 28961

First of all, we don't know if kids are directed into "easy" majors to keep them eligible.

Actually, we do know that incoming freshman student-athletes who are academically weak are admitted only to the School of Kinesiology. (Stronger students can enroll in LS&A or another school.) From there they are generally "encouraged" into the Sports Management and Communications major. They can transfer into LS&A, but that's not a simple task.

As for Harbaugh not bringing it up until after Bo's death, that's probably just a coincidence, because he didn't get the Stanford job until after Bo died.

December 13th, 2011 at 2:06 PM | Why is his criticism tied to (Score:4 Normal)
Carcajous
Carcajous's picture
Joined: 07/05/2009
MGoPoints: 1577

Why is his criticism tied to having the Stanford job?  If he believed what he said, why wait until saying so gave him a recruiting advantage...  wait, I just answered my own question.  Nevermind.

December 13th, 2011 at 2:24 PM | If you really believe his (Score:3 Normal)
DetroitBlue
DetroitBlue's picture
Joined: 07/02/2008
MGoPoints: 1121

If you really believe his statements were a coincidence, I just don't know what to tell you.  Why did he stay mum about the topic for 20-some odd years and then just have to blurt it out.

Why didn't he bother to point out that fact that the vast majority of his own players at prestigious Stanford University either majored in "Undeclared" or communications?  

I'm not going to bother to look this up, but I'm pretty sure this was all said during some head-to-head recruiting battles between the schools.  If you can somehow reconcile these facts with your image of Harbaugh as a stand up guy, good for you.  I cannot.  Fuck Harbaugh.

December 13th, 2011 at 6:04 PM | He stayed mum because there (Score:0 Trolling)
December 13th, 2011 at 12:44 PM | It's not what he said, but (Score:2 Normal)
evenyoubrutus
evenyoubrutus's picture
Joined: 11/04/2008
MGoPoints: 4707

It's not what he said, but the context in which he said it; less than a year after Bo's death in a press conference at Stanford.  It was basically like slamming your family behind their backs. I'm sure there was validity to what he said, but he simply shouldn't have said it then and there, and that is what pissed everybody off.

Not that I loved Rich Rod less, but that I loved Michigan more.

December 13th, 2011 at 12:18 PM | Someone correct me if I am (Score:2 Normal)
bluenyc
bluenyc's picture
Joined: 06/25/2010
MGoPoints: 7029

Someone correct me if I am wrong about Harbaugh.  His comments were detrimental to the school.  Implying that kids were pushed to easier majors.  It was an insult to the whole athletic department.  While desmond's comments, the little i heard, were saying how Rich was the wrong choice for Michigan.  2 very different things in my mind.  the second is his opinion.  whether the first one is true or not, you dont bring it out in public and try to address it in private.  JH had enough visiability to do it.  There is no reason to insult the school that gave him an education and allowed him to show off his talents. 

Desmond's comments while I am not happy, are completely his opinion.  Didnt JH also say he would have gone to Stanford, if he made it in. 

December 13th, 2011 at 12:39 PM | by the authority invested in me by the US (Score:2 Normal)
MGlobules
Joined: 11/17/2008
MGoPoints: 5143

constitution--ego free speech, etc.--and as a fan, otherwise, of Sir Desmond, would you mind if some of us also concur that his comments sucked?

December 13th, 2011 at 12:45 PM | Another name for "ego free (Score:3 Normal)
gordie bell
gordie bell's picture
Joined: 03/15/2009
MGoPoints: 7961

Another name for "ego free speech" would be what? Humility? So you wanted Desmond to be a little more 'umble?

December 13th, 2011 at 2:10 PM | oopty--meant to write "ergo"; (Score:1)
MGlobules
Joined: 11/17/2008
MGoPoints: 5143

too late to go back and edit now, I see. 

December 13th, 2011 at 5:34 PM | So, (Score:5 Normal)
maizenbluenc
maizenbluenc's picture
Joined: 07/21/2009
MGoPoints: 2677

it is not OK for Section 1 to write a letter supporting John U. Bacon because it re-hashes old wounds, and the Rodriguez era should just be put to bed and forgotten, and it might be embarrassing to people present at a luncheon (Lloyd Carr was suggested to be attending a luncheon that Bacon was un-invited to speak at)

but, it is OK for Desmond Howard to re-hash old wounds and the Rodriguez era, (aptly) comparing it to the "New Coke" debacle even though that would clearly be embarrassing to the players present who were recruited by, and played for Rodriguez?

No, it was an awkward topic at best, and Desmond should have steered around the elephant.

December 13th, 2011 at 2:39 PM | I agree that he can say (Score:1)
Vader
Vader's picture
Joined: 12/12/2011
MGoPoints: 290

I agree that he can say whatever he wants but I don't think the Bust, where you are celebrating a football season, is the right forum to express that kind of opinion

"I find your lack of faith disturbing... This is Michigan fergodsakes"

December 13th, 2011 at 12:00 PM | At least he didn't give the (Score:5 Normal)
orobs
Joined: 10/03/2010
MGoPoints: 1729

At least he didn't give the remarks with the Grobester playing in the background.

December 13th, 2011 at 12:00 PM | posted from iPhone (Score:5 Normal)
MGoblu8
MGoblu8's picture
Joined: 08/19/2010
MGoPoints: 322

I agree. He had the floor and had every right to share what was on his mind. However, after seeing what Molk had to say, you would think guys who are so close to the program would understand that the players don't want to hear it anymore.

December 13th, 2011 at 1:16 PM | What did Molk have to say? (Score:1)
Moleskyn
Moleskyn's picture
Joined: 06/28/2010
MGoPoints: 3179

What did Molk have to say?

December 13th, 2011 at 2:26 PM | Something along the lines of (Score:2 Normal)
Wolvermarine
Joined: 04/12/2011
MGoPoints: 119

Something along the lines of remembering that the people in the room clapping for them now were the same ones who were booing them a couple years ago. Basically calling out the bangwagon jumpers.  

December 13th, 2011 at 12:04 PM | I didn't listen to the (Score:3 Normal)
unWavering
unWavering's picture
Joined: 01/13/2011
MGoPoints: 1765

I didn't listen to the speech, but I can't say the analogy to New Coke is a bad one.  However, that doesn't change the fact that he probably could have picked better subject matter.

December 13th, 2011 at 12:10 PM | I had to flip flop my OP post vote (Score:2 Normal)
M-Wolverine
M-Wolverine's picture
Joined: 10/04/2009
MGoPoints: 38747

Because I thought he was making some bad pun with "Hoke" and New "Coke". Till your post made me realize Desmond literally referenced New Coke.

Desmond deserves points off for that just because no one on the team probably has any die what the hell New Coke is referring to.

"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

December 13th, 2011 at 12:04 PM | Time to move on. (Score:5 Normal)
ChiBlueBoy
ChiBlueBoy's picture
Joined: 10/11/2011
MGoPoints: 553

New coach, new team, so much to be thankful for. Why re-hash it all? If Desmond needs catharsis, he can talk to friends. The players are the ones who have been through hell, and they deserve to enjoy this season, not wallow in the past.

Same for alot of us on this board. Nothing wrong with celebrating this season, and even comparing to the prior season to note areas of improvement/backsliding. But attacks on the prior coaches don't help us now.

"Mattison must break you. Jake Ryan is his tool."

December 13th, 2011 at 12:20 PM | Seriously (Score:5 Normal)
johnvand
johnvand's picture
Joined: 02/04/2010
MGoPoints: 3234

Everybody in that room remembers 08 - 10.  I see no need to piss on a man's figurative grave, especially while 90% of the players in that room were recruited by that man, and played their hearts out while the fake Michigan Men shot cannon balls over the walls of fort Schembechler.

It was low class.  I'm glad Molk spoke up the way he did.  He's the definition of Michigan Man.

December 13th, 2011 at 12:43 PM | What did Molk have to say? (Score:1)
Huntington Wolverine
Joined: 10/26/2009
MGoPoints: 2375

What did Molk have to say?

December 13th, 2011 at 2:41 PM | Made mention of people booing (Score:2)
johnvand
johnvand's picture
Joined: 02/04/2010
MGoPoints: 3234

Said something to the effect of there being people in the room who have boo'ed these players, and the the seniors sitting up there with him are real Michigan Men.

December 13th, 2011 at 4:32 PM | Good for him (Score:2 Funny)
Huntington Wolverine
Joined: 10/26/2009
MGoPoints: 2375

I'm gonna miss Molk's warm and pleasant public speaking demeanor.  

December 14th, 2011 at 1:01 AM | posted from iPhone (Score:2)
Catholepistimiad
Catholepistimiad's picture
Joined: 07/28/2009
MGoPoints: 12

Specifically said that unless you are a fifth-year senior, you have no idea what the last few years were about. There was not one person that dared even make a noise at that point of the speech, because no one-not fan, nor former player, nor "Legend"-could question his experiences, and we were all taken to task. The collective "Michigan" had put themselves before the needs of 132, and it was a remainder of what the focus of college athletics should truly be.



http://espn.go.com/colleges/michigan/football/story/_/id/7347219/michiga...

"The most important of all was that of the Catholepistimiad, considered not as a University proper, but in its true character, a village school." Education in Michigan during the Territorial Period, Lucy M. Salmon, 1884.

December 13th, 2011 at 12:18 PM | Poor Taste (Score:5 Normal)
WhoopinStick
Joined: 03/16/2010
MGoPoints: 204

I thought Howards remarks were in poor taste.  Most of the guys at the bust were recruited by RR.  To bash the coach that brought those players to UM is not OK.  He should have saved those remarks for another time and place.

December 13th, 2011 at 12:19 PM | Well (Score:5 Normal)
CRex
CRex's picture
Joined: 09/28/2009
MGoPoints: 8727

I don't think Desmond's statements were needed.  We are at 10-2, Sugar Bowl Bound, and have a lot of hype around recruiting.  Everyone is very happy with Hoke so far.  So Desmond's comments were unneeded, but I can understand why he might set his sites on RR after some of the recent comments RR made (like how he'd have gone at least 10-2 and thinks he could have done better).  

I'm mostly just unhappy he did it in front of guys who soldiered through the RR era.  If he wants to support Hoke I'd rather Desmond do it by building Hoke up instead of tearing RR down.

December 13th, 2011 at 12:33 PM | Well said CRex.  It wasn't (Score:2 Normal)
yoopergoblue
yoopergoblue's picture
Joined: 02/11/2010
MGoPoints: 1976

Well said CRex.  It wasn't needed, especially at a banquet that was honoring most of the players he coached for the past few years.  Desmond should have waited and spoke in another venue on this topic.

"They will meet a dastardly fate here for that! There isn't a Michigan Man who wouldn't like go out and scalp those Buckeyes right now."

December 13th, 2011 at 12:41 PM | "...I'd rather Desmond do it (Score:5 Normal)
kehnonymous
kehnonymous's picture
Joined: 11/25/2011
MGoPoints: 641

"...I'd rather Desmond do it by building Hoke up..."

More like RAISING Hoke up, amirite?  Seriously, I agree 100% with you.  It's bad form to bash Coach Rod, especially in front of so many kids who played their hearts out for him.  God knows we don't need another debate about RichRod's legacy, but if there's one thing we can take away from the RichRod years (besides stuffed beavers = bad), it's this:  the more dirt Michigan men pile on his grave the more they forget about the role they played in the fiasco of the last 3 years.  Coach Rod is hardly the only person who didn't live up to expectations at Michigan.

As an aside, I am curious who reprimanded RVB for his infamous but spot-on comments about "where were all the alums 2-3 years ago"  RVB's comment needed to be said, but was admittedly impolitic

Former Buckeye Antonio Pittman on being a poster child for compliance: "This osu tattoo stuff is silly. Cats been getting hookups on tatts since back in '01."

December 13th, 2011 at 12:22 PM | GENTLEMEN...... (Score:1 Normal)
burtcomma
burtcomma's picture
Joined: 11/01/2009
MGoPoints: 2322

Must we pick apart the speeches or comments made by everyone and anyone associated with our program to the Nth degree to determine whether they have the proper respect for our previous coaches?

Are we doomed to try and make everyone speak Michigan football on a politically  correct basis about the past, the present, and the future?

I think our football team, our university, and its alumni and friends can take a little reflection on the past few years and some differences of opinion without further turmoil. 

We are not that weak, and we can see that the chain is being relinked to a continuous whole from Yost to Crisler to Elliot to Schembechler to Moeller to Carr to Rodriguez to Hoke.   All these men are a part of the woven web and story, and each had their own unique and particular story to tell and part to add to the tapestry of Michigan football.  None were perfect, and in RR's case his ultimate teaching for all of us was that we must be careful to nurture and teach the Michigan football traditions of excellence and team and Michigan first, last and always to any newcomers in our midst and not assume that we can count on others amongst us to do this job and to understand that we each are responsible to carry on this teaching to our children and our players forever!

 

December 13th, 2011 at 12:39 PM | This isn't complicated. (Score:5 Normal)
cbuswolverine
Joined: 08/14/2008
MGoPoints: 1762

This isn't complicated.  There's a time and a place.  This wasn't it.

December 13th, 2011 at 12:40 PM | There is a season (Score:5 Normal)
Michichick
Michichick's picture
Joined: 09/15/2009
MGoPoints: 101

Time and place. Nothing wrong with visiting where you've been but not at the Bust. The Bust is for celebrating the seniors on the team and to give them their M rings, which Desmond should know. Many of those seniors were brought to Michigan by Rodriguez, and for that, we should be grateful.

Just because 21 had a platform doesn't mean it was appropriate to use it. This wasn't the time or the place.

A Brunette Girl
 
Hail to the college whose colors we wear;
Hurrah for the Yellow and Blue!
December 13th, 2011 at 12:31 PM | I love Desmond, but... (Score:3 Normal)
Erik_in_Dayton
Erik_in_Dayton's picture
Joined: 12/03/2008
MGoPoints: 6784

he is not always the wisest of commentators. 

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

                         

December 13th, 2011 at 12:31 PM | My only thing was (Score:1)
Gitback
Gitback's picture
Joined: 04/12/2011
MGoPoints: 108

I couldn't figure out why he was bagging on"Cherry" Coke so much. That stuff's stood the test of time sells just fine. Then I realized he meant "New" Coke... then the analogy hit me. I didn't pay attention much after that, kept wondering how he could use that comparison as the main thrust of his analogy and not realize that he wasn't even referring to the right product.

...I can puncho yo buns...

 

December 13th, 2011 at 2:11 PM | so he f'd up (Score:3 Normal)
MGlobules
Joined: 11/17/2008
MGoPoints: 5143

his dumb comment? Cool. As a poster above pointed out, RR drafted most of those kids. They placed their faith in him, and don't need to hear Desmond criticize the guy in a forum intended for celebrating all that they have managed despite the BS they've endured. Just one man's epinion but. . . uncool.

December 13th, 2011 at 1:33 PM | I love cherry coke. He (Score:1)
MAgoBLUE
MAgoBLUE's picture
Joined: 05/21/2010
MGoPoints: 2156

I love cherry coke. He should have just said RR is a delicious alternative to the old staple. Like cherry coke to coke classic.

 

 

"fumbles the snap, takes off. . ."

(9/5/09)

Twitter

December 14th, 2011 at 12:49 AM | posted from iPhone (Score:2)
Catholepistimiad
Catholepistimiad's picture
Joined: 07/28/2009
MGoPoints: 12

Right with you! I love Cherry Coke, and the mix-up derailed my whole train of thought.

"The most important of all was that of the Catholepistimiad, considered not as a University proper, but in its true character, a village school." Education in Michigan during the Territorial Period, Lucy M. Salmon, 1884.

December 13th, 2011 at 12:35 PM | I laughed when I read that (Score:5 Normal)
joeyb
joeyb's picture
Joined: 10/12/2008
MGoPoints: 11300

I laughed when I read that and moved on. RR has taken shots at the school. Certain people like Desmond have taken shots at RR. It's only a big deal because people make it a big deal.

December 13th, 2011 at 2:08 PM | Wait, what shots has RR taken (Score:2 Normal)
El Jeffe
El Jeffe's picture
Joined: 07/07/2008
MGoPoints: 6710

Wait, what shots has RR taken at Michigan?

Theme provided by Roopletheme; sidebars adapted from Chris Murphy.