Has Braylon made it impossible for someone to earn the #1 jersey?
This article suggests that RR was rather scarred by the outcry from Braylon et al. Quoth RR:
"Roy likes the No. 12 and I think he'd be good just staying in that," Rodriguez told Ryan Terpstra on ESPN 96.1..."We haven't talked about (Roundtree’s number preference) at all, Rodriguez said. I've dealt with that thing a couple of years ago, so we've really tried to put that issue to bed."
Whether any of our current receivers deserve the #1 is something people can honestly debate. But it would be a shame if RR felt like he didn't have the authority to offer it to a deserving receiver. The J.T. Floyd incident in 2008 was an innocent mistake, and it sounds like RR doesn't want to give it to anyone now because he doesn't want to deal with the political outcry from Braylon et al. should he give it to someone they don't approve of.
Once RR was educated about the tradition, surely we can trust him to apply it appropriately.
November 10th, 2010 at 10:25 AM ^
RR needs to own this burgeoning, somewhat revisionist tradition (which many traditions are). While earning the #1 tradition may have started with Braylon, it was because of AC's performance wearing it, and his subsequent legendary status. The burgeoning tradition is shaped by Braylon's need to earn it, as dictated by Carr, but it is grounded in AC's performance wearing it. And Braylon did his best to uphold that standard while wearing it. It's a tradition worth implementing, it is better than letting the events of several years ago dictate what happens to it.
RR needs to forget the incident - he does not want to be the one remembered for abandoning the burgeoning tradition. Braylon may not have handled the lapse by RR in a professional way, but the death of the new tradition will forever be associated with RR's tenure. RR needs to get beyond the pettiness of the events of several years ago, because holding on to them is petty for a person in his position. He needs to own it - give it to a WR, and be done with it.
November 10th, 2010 at 10:41 AM ^
RR needs to forget the incident - he does not want to be the one remembered for abandoning the burgeoning tradition.
I disagree. If I were RR, I would want to be remembered exactly for something like this. UM is about the team, not about highlighting one superstar player each season. Quietly never "awarding" the #1 jersey to anyone reinforces the point perfectly.
November 10th, 2010 at 10:50 AM ^
But you are arguing about something different - coaching philosophy. If coaching philosophy, in terms of team versus individual accolades, is the reason RR doesn't give it out, then ok. But that is a different reason than emphasizing the incident with Braylon. Thus, RR would be better off making that reason clear and not referencing the past incident when asked about giving it out. From his statements, however, it seems not giving it out is more about the incident with Braylon.
You make a good case for not giving it out, but it doesn't seem that that is the case RR is making.
November 10th, 2010 at 11:04 AM ^
that RR can't give out the #1 jersey without getting BrayBray's blessing?
F-that bs.
November 10th, 2010 at 11:09 AM ^
Don't you understand that you're 100% wrong?
November 10th, 2010 at 11:13 AM ^
Nowhere is that stipulated. And ignoring any influences other than what is stipulated is what I mean by RR "owning" the burgeoning tradition. He only has to give it to a WR. Letting Braylon's influence shape his actions only exacerbates the problem.
As long as he refuses to give out the #1, he will be asked about his reasons for not giving it out. As long as he cites the Braylon incident, he gives life to that incident. In doing so, he gives life to his troubled transition, and our perception of his tenure as troubled lives on. He would be much better off giving it out, erasing that incident, and being perceived as settling in to his position. You all know I am no RR apologist, but if I were advising him, I think giving it out would be seen as him showing more ownership of his position instead of being seen as fighting against it, as bucking tradition, no matter how "new" the tradition is (though it lives a much older life in our perception due to its tie to AC).
It would be good for his career to give it out.
November 10th, 2010 at 11:49 AM ^
Letting Braylon's influence shape his actions only exacerbates the problem.
Sorry, but this is all backwards. Giving it out when you don't want to just to prove that you can and that Braylon is not in charge is letting Braylon influence your decisions. If I were RR, I would never give it out. If asked about it, I would try to deflect the question so as not to create a big public squabble with Braylon but quietly I would let it be known that I do not want to elevate any one player above the team.
November 10th, 2010 at 12:41 PM ^
Like I said to a poster above, you are making a different argument, and draw a conclusion about twisted logic from that. You assume RR doesn't want to give it out for some other reason. If that is the case, say based on his coaching philosophy, I can get behind that. But we are talking only in the realm if the Braylon incident.
November 10th, 2010 at 11:50 AM ^
because what you're advising is for RR to push his chips into the middle and make the call.
This forces Braylon to either agree with the decision or look like a complete ass by trying to inject himself into something that he really shouldn't.
I like it.
November 10th, 2010 at 1:08 PM ^
Bo was all about The Team, we know that. He also allowed the Michigan players to earn those little wolverine stickers on their helmets. It was Carr I believe that put an end to that when he took over. You can keep the #1 jersey and still be focused on the team. The point is that certain players need to be rewarded and motivated in certain ways. I get personal joy (see my name) in what Terrell (as #1) did to Alabama and Auburn while Michigan completed the Iron Bowl in 2000 & 2001.
November 10th, 2010 at 10:33 AM ^
IIRC, the Floyd issue was taken care of before Braylon popped off. He could have handled it all privately, but gave food to the trolls by going public like the jagoff that he is.
Either way, people caring this much about the #1 jersey hype is a bit silly IMO.
November 10th, 2010 at 10:43 AM ^
What's with all the attacks on Braylon? Is it so bad that he donates $500K every year? Is that such a terrible thing. He doesn't decide who wears the jersey, and was within his right (as would have been AC...who was, without doubt, the man) to voice his opinion when RR wanted to give the #1 to a defender. For those who don't want to bother to investigate, here is the scoop from Braylon's Foundation:
Braylon Edwards has created a $500,000 gift to create a scholarship endowment for football players/students at the University of Michigan, wearing the number one. The gift is the largest pledged to the department by a current professional athlete, and links the Braylon Edwards Foundation to the No. 1 jersey. The endowment will be awarded to the Michigan football player who wears the No. 1 jersey. If no player currently wears the No. 1 jersey, then the award will be granted to another player who exhibits exceptional off-field behavior and conducts himself as a team player.
The money goes out whether the #1 is worn or not and the Foundation doesn't claim it controls the awarding of the #1 jersey. RR has bigger issues to worry about than who wears the #1. We have some great guys now who might earn it. Or, someone else will wear it later. It really isn't a big deal and it's certainly not a reason to hate on a generous alum who did great things at Michigan.
November 10th, 2010 at 10:52 AM ^
"RR has bigger issues to worry about than who wears the #1."
I couldn't agree more. That's exactly why BIGMOUTH Braylon should have handled the matter gracefully. That appears to be beyond him, though, so instead we got another pail of tar poured on Rodriguez by the low end of the MSM.
November 10th, 2010 at 10:57 AM ^
"BIGMOUTH" Braylon earned the right to question RR's handing of the jersey to a defender, not just because of the endowment but because he's a Wolverine. Could he have done so more quietly? Perhaps. But it's my understanding, from people very close to (within) the program, that RR didn't exactly put out a "comments" box upon his arrival. So, we don't know if Braylon did try a soft approach or not. In any event, it just isn't a big deal and it certainly isn't a reason to slam a great and generous alum.
You think the MSM is tarring RR over this? No. It's a bit of a nothing.
November 10th, 2010 at 11:14 AM ^
"But it's my understanding, from people very close to (within) the program, that RR didn't exactly put out a "comments" box upon his arrival."
That's a good point. I've been hoping that Brandon will polish his rough edges.
"So, we don't know if Braylon did try a soft approach or not."
True, although my money is on "BLAH BLAH BLAH TRADITION ME BRAYLON!"
As for the MSM, did you miss all the lame articles where the "jersey issue" was coupled with "Family Values" and other tidbits. I saw it in print (in an anti-RichRod way) at least five times. I can't say for sure that those stories hurt recruiting or the program's image, but I definitely will bet that they didn't help it.
November 10th, 2010 at 10:59 AM ^
The problem is that Braylon had to make the snafu public. There's no reason the whole thing couldn't have been quietly resolved between Braylon and the athletic department/Coach Rodriguez. Instead, Braylon opens his mouth and everybody ends up looking like clowns over non-issue.
The other problem is the slightly weird precedent that his endowment sets. I've written this on the blog here before, but what if, hypothetically speaking, Tom Brady had endowed a scholarship for the Wolverines starting quarterback but with the implied stipulation that it was for a pro-style QB rather than a dual threat? Donations are great, but former players shouldn't be allowed to have any influence in the minutiae of running the team. In retrospect, it's rather surprising that the AD accepted the endowed #1 jersey idea.
November 10th, 2010 at 11:07 AM ^
Your gripe assumes that RR, upon his arrival, was welcoming of comments/suggestions. That just wasn't the case. We don't know that Braylon didn't first reach out directly. And even if he didn't...who cares? RR handled it well enough in basically saying "oops, ok, WR only". The issue really remains a big deal to ardent RR defenders who now hate a star Michigan alum who donates generously to the school every year because (oh the horror) RR might have briefly looked sloppy. Have you seen our defense? That's a much bigger deal than the #1. It looks sloppy every week.
To think that Braylon has influence in the minutiae of running the team is laughable. It's surprising to me that anyone would suggest turning down a $500K annual donation merely because it comes from a star WR looking to honor the legacy of the jersey and those who wore it. He doesn't pick the guy who wears it, but everyone agrees that it doesn't go to defense. The comments in this thread are unreal. Worry about the current state of the team, not a guy giving 1/2million annually.
November 10th, 2010 at 11:33 AM ^
Are you sure about that? The fact that people are still talking three years later about the #1 jersey (because nobody has worn the jersey since the Braylon incident) would seem to clearly indicate that Braylon has, in fact, had some influence over such mundane tasks as issuing jersey numbers.
The current state of the team is, in my humble opinion, just fine. But a program in which well-heeled former players can cause problems and distraction simply by writing checks is worth worrying about and should face some scrutiny.
November 10th, 2010 at 2:49 PM ^
The fact that people are still talking three years later about the #1 jersey...would seem to clearly indicate that Braylon has, in fact, had some influence over such mundane tasks as issuing jersey numbers.
People are talking about the jersey and that, to you, means that Braylon has influence of jersey numbering? There is zero connection between those two points. He didn't want it going to defense. That's all.
November 10th, 2010 at 12:11 PM ^
$500,000 from a former star player is hard to turn down, so I cannot really say what I would have done had it been my decision as UM President or AD, but it does set a precedent that "tradition" is for sale at the right price. What if Braylon wanted to rename Michigan Stadium and call it Braylon Edwards Stadium? Or even Braylon Edwards Field at Michigan Stadium? Or name the endzone where he went all "Braylon" on MSU?
UM needs to be very careful not to let this type of thing go too far. The #1 jersey was special (which is why Braylon wanted it) because of AC. If I were AC, I might not be so thrilled to see the #1 jersey "endowed" by someone else. I might prefer to have the UM head coach decide who to give it to. And then what if Woodson wants to endow #2 and Desmond wants to endow #21? At some point, you lose control over all your historically significant jerseys.
November 10th, 2010 at 11:27 AM ^
For the record, the endowment for a scholarship is not $500k/year. It's a one time $500k donation that because of the University investing the money and interest on that investment allows the scholarship to continue forever.
The problem really lies with the Michigan Athletic Department allowing Braylon to stipulate to such a specific degree who would get his scholarship and essentially giving too much of a voice in the activities of a coach running a football program. Instead, the AD should have allowed the scholarship go to a Wide Receiver (and it could have even gone to a WR of the choosing of his Foundation), but letting him tie it to a specific number goes too far. I'm sure the university wouldn't let me endow a scholarship for the person who resides in my old dorm room and then get upset when the housing office selects someone who I don't deem "worthy" of the honor of residing in the hallowed halls of 5th Hamilton.
November 10th, 2010 at 11:37 AM ^
Sorry, but this is a pretty weak analogy. The better analogy would be if housing gave your money to someone who didn't live in your old dorm room (who wasn't a WR). Braylon endowed the #1 to a WR. He has no say over which WR is worthy of the #1. RR chooses the WR.
Placing all the blame on the AD is also weak. In accepting his endowment, they decided to implement the tradition. Yes, they were dictating tradition to the head coach. And in doing so, it was an unstated assumption that 1) the coach for UM would know about the incipient tradition; and 2) the coach would comply with implementing it. If fault lies anywhere, it lies everywhere - the AD, RR, and Braylon.
November 10th, 2010 at 12:05 PM ^
Sorry you didn't get the jist of my comment. All I was saying is that from a financial gift standpoint, there's only so much that the university would allow you to earmark your gift for. In this case, Braylon was (correctly or incorrectly) allowed to earmark his funds to the most finite detail, which is what has created this debate.
My point was that the university would gladly allow me to make a significant contribution, but there comes a point where goodwill and generosity turns into over-involvement and meddling with the way the organization is run (be it athletics/football or whatever). I think Braylon getting over-involved with the way the coach runs his football team crosses the line by using his number scholarship leverage.
November 10th, 2010 at 12:53 PM ^
I agree on the broad points, but I do not agree that BE was allowed to make his gift on "the most finite detail" - because BE is not allowed to choose the player, only that his money go to the player who wears a certain number. It's unfortunate if BE has had some influence on the player, though I am not convinced that that is what happened. RR tried to give it to a non-WR recruit. He should have been corrected in terms of the position, but not in terms of the level of player he chose to give it to (be it recruit or senior). That part of the tradition is in RR's hands entirely - or should be.
My main argument is not, however, concerned with what happened in the past, as we cannot really know. Its too easy to blame Braylon or the AD. That is a lazy way to approach it. My concern is what is happening now. RR needs to take charge, erase the past, be the bigger man. He should make the decision now based on his own criteria (not in terms of the position, but who and when a WR gets it). If he decides not to give it out based on his philosohpy, then that's fine (by me), but don't blame the past.
November 10th, 2010 at 10:42 AM ^
What is/was the criteria to earn the #1?
Anthony Carter (I hear, before my time) was a leader on and off the field, so it seems that should be the precedent.
November 10th, 2010 at 11:28 AM ^
the criteria was be a really good high school player
November 10th, 2010 at 10:50 AM ^
If I were RichRod I'd never touch it again.
Assuming he wants to, though, I'd put it on a receiver only if the guy was the *undisputed* deathbot receiver by every measure. I like Roundtree a lot, but I don't think he's across-the-board better than Hemingway, Stonum, and Odoms.
November 10th, 2010 at 11:10 AM ^
(and I think he might actually care:) then I recommend he humbly comes back to UM and his money endows a limo service for all legal aged football players to take them around so they don't have to drive and risk a dui.
If he is lucky he might get some community service hours for this based on his latest brush with the law.
Also sponsored by Butterfinger / Barbasol / local attny of his choice
November 10th, 2010 at 11:32 AM ^
So am I right in assuming that most people want the tradition of the #1 jersey to die? Or are most of you just upset with the way it is being handled as of late? I personally love it, and it never seemed to be a problem as far as promoting one player over any other before. I remember when Manningham was blowing up and everybody was calling for him to get the jersey.
Is the change in opinion based off of the new coaching staff and their perceived emphasis on team over player? People keep talking about Bo and the whole "team" approach, but didn't he start the helmet stickers that Carr thought were too individualistic?
November 10th, 2010 at 11:33 AM ^
Braylon created drama of "it has to be earned" portion to die
November 10th, 2010 at 11:38 AM ^
The article at this link expresses best my feelings on this matter. But to provide a summary.
Braylon was the only player who had to "earn" the jersey. This was a way for Lloyd Carr to train the huge ego of Braylon in the hopes that he could become the player he had the ability to become. In response to this, Braylon took away the Coaches control of assigning the number. Apparently Lloyd's lesson did not take hold.
I think most fans who think this is a tradition ONLY remember watching Braylon Edwards. Every other WR from Anthony Carter onwards was assigned this number in their freshman year and wore it all 4 years they were at Michigan EXCEPT Braylon. Braylon is trying to start a tradition, but it is one that emphasizes the player over the team, and ironically what power does a number have? The #1 doesn't make you a good reciever anymore than the #7 makes you a good QB. Certainly the outstanding players will apply some meaning to a number WHEN they are wearing it, but once they graduate it's a whole new team and a new set of talented stars working together.
I hope that as a demonstration of how talented ALL the WR are on this Michigan Team that the #1 jersey is NOT assigned to anyone. Coach Rodriguez doesn't want anything that makes a specific player seem special over other players except their work and execution on the field. He instituted Game Captains so that all Seniors could experience the role of leadership. He does listen to his players, and he does have a flexible mind, not that when his senior leaders came to him and wanted Season Captains voted for, he allowed it, because that rewarded their leadership and spirit of the TEAM.
I respect Braylon's talent, but not his ego. His ego affects his work ethic and execution. Dropping easy passes is a result of you ego thinking about how awesome it will be in the end zone, rather than how great it would be if your team made a first down and won the game.
Sorry Braylon, the Coach should decide who gets jerseys, not you. Please take back your money. Better yet why don't you give it to Mott's children's hospital, and try to emulate #2 for a while.
thanks.
November 10th, 2010 at 11:54 AM ^
and agree. One minor correction, Alexander got the jersey as a sophomore after McMurtry graduated. But his 6 catches for 107 yrds his freshman didn't exactly "Earn" him the No. 1 jersey. Doesn't really affect your point, but just wanted to throw that out there.
November 10th, 2010 at 11:39 AM ^
Why not have the players vote on it at before the season? So long as it's 'earned' in the eyes of the players, it's earned.
November 10th, 2010 at 12:30 PM ^
Totally depoliticizes the situation.
November 10th, 2010 at 11:43 AM ^
I think the new tradition of having to earn it is really cool and unique (AFAIK). Having a broad list of objectives to earn the jersey, to start, would be a great move by Braylon.
November 10th, 2010 at 11:50 AM ^
People, including Braylon, blew this out of proportion from the get-go. I'd like to see Rodriguez turn it around into a positive by letting the players vote before each season on which SENIOR receiver gets to wear it.
Leave it as an incentive and an opportunity for future Wolverines to continue the great tradition that AC started and Braylon played a role in continuing.
This is can be made a good thing. Why do people insist on looking at only the negative aspects of every issue?
November 10th, 2010 at 11:55 AM ^
On Braylon and the #1 is that Braylon is really a baby about the whole thing. No one before him ever had to "earn" the #1. He wanted it right when he got to Michigan, but since he was not a huge recruit and kind of an unknown they Lloyd said No, but that he could earn it.
David Terrell walked in and on Day 1 was handed the #1 Jersey. Did he earn it?
Derrick Alexander same thing, did he earn it?
How about my favorite.... Tyrone Butterfield..... he sure as hell didnt earn it. After him I believe the coaches said, we have to know you're going to be a stud before we give this number out.
So yes Braylon has made it impossible for a few reasons. One RR is terrified to give it out to anyone as a freshman, which has been caused by Braylon. So now players have to earn it and even then RR will still be affraid to give it out. Braylon needs to stop being so bitter that the coaches made him "earn it". Because before him, it was given to incoming players who the coaches felt would be great WR's.
Give #1 to Sammy Watkins!
November 10th, 2010 at 11:59 AM ^
to wear the #1?
I think a better honor for this offense this year is a jersey saying "Weapon of Choice" and everyone gets to wear it.
I'm glad the egos on this team act this way,
Junior TD, one of them.
November 10th, 2010 at 12:00 PM ^
How quickly some people forget how amazing Braylon was at this university. His numbers were simply insane. Hell, one year he almost got to 100 receptions (!!!!!).
That being said, I don't think we can hold the next #1 quite to those standards, or we might be waiting until Braylon is 6 feet under in 2070 before another person could don the number. If Roundtree hits 1,000 yards this year - it's got to be his. Good kid.
November 10th, 2010 at 12:00 PM ^
Just retire the number. That's what should have happened after 1982 anyway
For the record, I like the players and their current numbers.
November 10th, 2010 at 12:40 PM ^
Right with you. There was really only 1 #1 after all.
November 10th, 2010 at 12:03 PM ^
put up Braylon type stats and you can wear whatever you want.
November 10th, 2010 at 12:03 PM ^
I think Rodriguez is not looking to hand the #1 out because of what he went through. It 100% opens him up to more negative pub. There will always be a lot of people who don't agree and he's probably like..it's not worth it. Unfortunately he seems really gun shy about it. I'd like to see Roy get it and maybe it only goes to a senior. Rodriguez really likes to honor seniors so this gives us another full year to debate this and maybe by that time he's earned some more respect and people will get off his case. (yeah right)
I think 2012 you'll see the #1 on Roy..we'll see it in Dallas against Alabama...
November 10th, 2010 at 12:03 PM ^
What would go a long way is for the Michigan Alumn Haters to act like real Michigan Men & Women. Show the coach they are behind him 100% and stop working against him! This solves a lot of problems including this post.
Stop recruiting Harbaugh & Friends! We have our guy. Swallow it or move on!
November 10th, 2010 at 12:24 PM ^
Peter C Bigelow says via twitter:
Roy Roundtree wants No. 1. Rich Rodriguez says: "Roy has earned the right to be considered with that and we'll talk about it in the offseason."
Sounds good to me...I think he'll give it to someone next year for sure.
November 10th, 2010 at 12:35 PM ^
As I have been vocal in my desire to hire a new coach, I do not question what a good man RR is. So here is another place where he has gotten criticized when he did not deserve it at all.
Maybe Lloyd started changing the handing out of #1, but really only Braylon seemed to really be forced to earn it. I applaud using it that way, but RR had to put up with the #1 mess and that stinks. I would not blame RR for never handing out a #1 again.
November 10th, 2010 at 12:43 PM ^
We got zero. Not no. 1. I don't think we'll see a receiver wear No. 1 at Michigan for a long, long time.
Personally, I don't blame Rodriguez one bit The last thing he needs right now is another lecture about a Michigan tradition not being upheld and more "drama". If he issued it to Roundtree tomorrow, there would be a media hailstorm about how RR intentionally walked all over Michigan's so-called "tradition" (to hell with Greg Willner btw) and Braylon Edward's poorly publicized UM scholarship program in the first place.
RR is thinking: "No. Dealing with more important stuff right now".
Special thanks to Braylon, a guy who wore No. 80 in the first place, while Tyrone Butterfield didn't have to "earn it".
And thanks to fellow whiny, myopic UM fans for making a big deal about a non-issue.
If you ask me, you know who deserves the No. 1 jersey right now for Michigan? Denard freaking Robinson.
The best solution yet would be to just retire the No. 1 jersey for the best Michigan player who ever wore it: Anthony Carter.
November 10th, 2010 at 1:33 PM ^
Markus: "Braylon and whiny fans ruined it for everybody" is exactly right.
Let's go to the Braylon Edwards Foundation website: http://www.braylonedwardsfoundation.org/home.php?id=1
"The Scholarship Endowment for the University of Michigan's No. 1 football jersey was announced in April 2006. The charitable gift provides support to a student/athlete wearing the No. 1 football jersey. The scholarship endowment will recognize future athletes who demonstrate character and commitment both on and off the field. Athletes wearing the No. 1 jersey are selected by U-M's coaching staff. "
So there are the "rules" on Braylon's own webpage:
(1) Coach selects the jersey numbers,
(2) No particular position is specified.
But Braylon didn't approve J.T. Floyd, and he comes out and publicly implies that Floyd shouldn't get the number one, leaving Rodriguez little choice but to rescind the offer of the jersey to Floyd--imagine the unfair scrutiny Floyd would have received otherwise. The number 1 has been ruined for a long time by outside meddling.
I wish we could retire it for Carter; I don't think he meets the minimum requirement for a retired jersey, though--you have to have graduated to receive the honor. I say we retire #1 for Willie Heston, and to hell with anybody who wants to endow a jersey number ever again.
November 10th, 2010 at 12:50 PM ^
Just give it to Roundtree. After last game he deserves it. I just want to see one of the top receivers wearing the No. 1 jersey.