Inside agenda against Martin and RR?
I heard last weekend(from a current Michigan employee) suggestions that a former University employee, in the athletic department, had an agenda to see Ron English chosen as the coach to follow Lloyd. When Martin chose not to go in this direction, said individual became incensed, upset with both Martin and with Martin's choice for football coach, Rich Rod. This individual supposedly has worked behind the scenes to submarine both Martin and RR. Further, this individual's wife is reported to be in a supervisory capacity on the staff of the Freep, providing a bully pulpit to bash both Martin and RichRod. Lastly, iirc, this individual is African American, making it very sensitive and impolitic for anyone associated with the University to criticize him directly. His goal was partially to see English as the first African American coach at Michigan. Lastly, because English was in the running for the head coach position, it was impossible for RichRod to realistically have him continue as part of his staff.
Can any of you verify any of these comments? If these comments are true, what happens next?
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:29 PM ^
RR continues to coach. Martin continues to direct the athletic department. Freep continues to incense the Michigan masses. At some point, National Title comes back to AA.
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:36 PM ^
Yes, we win games, Martin continues, RR continues, all is well.
More specific to my query however: if these comments are true, what happens to the perpetrator and his wife? If true, this seems a gross misuse of position for a Free Press supervisor. It also seems out of line for someone associated with UofM. Can anything be done? Should anything be done? Or, because the charges made in the Freep are likely not to stick, assuming the NCAA finds nothing, is the whole situation just ignored -- "move along, move along, nothing to see here."
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:39 PM ^
is the only thing Rich Rod can do: win at least ten games a year, go to and win BCS bowl games.
Just like his last 4 years at West Virginia.
That record of results would hurt anyone trying to torpedo Rich Rod more than anything else that could be said or done.
September 23rd, 2009 at 4:44 AM ^
at least 10 games? Unrealistic expectations....
anything above 75% win percentage would be good considering Michigan's coaching history. That's 9 wins per 12 game season(not counting bowl games). 80% would be awesome..(above Lloyd and Yost's win percentage) and that's still 9.6 wins per regular season.....
"win at least ten games per year" is crazy.. No Michigan coach(aside from Bo) has done that consistently...
September 22nd, 2009 at 2:51 PM ^
Great response!!
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:31 PM ^
However, this
Lastly, because English was in the running for the head coach position, it was impossible for RichRod to realistically have him continue as part of his staff.
makes a certain amount of sense from an overall organizational viewpoint.
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:31 PM ^
This sounds like garbage to me. I assume it would be pretty easy to figure out who you are referring to, but I think this is just another conspiracy theory.
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:43 PM ^
Sometimes "conspiracy theories" turn out to be true. It's not exactly hard to figure out why Stapleton would be behind some of this. He fits the profile to a tee.
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:43 PM ^
There seem to be too many different sources for there not to be some truth somewhere. As for the freep, which I now boycott, they have defninitely gone above and beyond the scope of sports reporting and objectivity when reporting on UM.
They have engaged in shoddy, biased jouralism and it has been not only allowed but apparently encouraged by the supervisory staff. We have all been quick to note that they are desperate for money and trying to sell papers and generate clicks to increase their revenue, but what has been going on there seems to transcend mere greed.
It definitely appears to me that there is someone above Rosenpuke and Shyster who has an axe to grind and is sanctioning the "witch hunt" that has been perpetrated on RR and UM.
I truly hope that all three are fired before the freep goes under. I am pissed at the freep right now, but it does have a lot of tradition, and I am hoping that once the "bad apples" in all departments are encouraged to rot and fall off the tree, it will be a strong, viable media outlet again.
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:34 PM ^
...but I think Martin, et al, could find a way to connect those dots and find a way to show that person the door, impolitic or not. I mean, if all that were true, you've probably got plenty of evidence to fire the person for cause. And, if you're concerned about the appearance or potential lawsuit from firing someone who claims they were some sort of courageous "whistleblower" I think there's less potential damage there than having a lying sieve in your employ...
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:38 PM ^
that person is now a former University employee according to the OP, so, problem solved, I suppose.
Why is this news again? Aren't we 3-0?
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:35 PM ^
If there are actually people within the U. or with close ties that have a thing against RR because he's not an insider, I find it amazing.........uh, if I remember correctly, the U. brought in an outsider by the name of Bo S. and he seemed to work out ok.
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:36 PM ^
should succeed Lloyd Carr must not have watched the App St and Oregon games in Michigan Stadium to start the 2007 season. The defense, and especially the secondary, was woefully unprepared.
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:36 PM ^
not only has INCENSE but also likes SUBMARINING.
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:38 PM ^
When unknown sources cite unnamed sources about suggested "possible" agendas it rarely ends well.
Who's to say that the former employee doesn't have an agenda against this (African American??) athletic department employee?
This employee could have a wife who works at the Freep. Could be the perfect to set him up or it could be true.
I understand that speculation is part of the interwebs, but the public which hunt for who the assholes are that might be trying to undermine Coach hurts the Michigan family.
Accusations can be a bitch to work yourself out of.
Let's someone incorrectly speculate publicly that you are something foul like a thief, molester, or Buckeye. How long will it take to repair your image.
Time will reveal and it will be dealt with.
Most important is what's going on - on the field.
The Team, The Team, The Team
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:41 PM ^
a little uneasy when "Dred Scott" starts posting on stories with racial components?
Nothing against you, DS, just saying....
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:53 PM ^
Hehehe! Clever...
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:42 PM ^
Wow I am so glad that this guy you're talking about didn't get his way. It's great to hear my grandpa tell me that he's never been more excited watching M games as he is now.
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:45 PM ^
Can I break the suspense and just say you're talking about Jim Stapleton?
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:46 PM ^
This was referenced in a post over the weekend:
http://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/wonder-if-freep-will-look-texas
Check the reply by VanNuysBlue. I confirmed. I understand the previous comments re: speculation, unknown sources, conspiracy theory, etc. but my sources on this one are very reliable.
September 22nd, 2009 at 1:02 PM ^
I left my laptop at home when going to AA Thurs. - Sat., and didn't bother checking through pages of diary entries in that span on Sunday. Also didn't know all the names involved. Since it is a matter of public record, they can be shared. More importantly, I didn't know whether these allegations had truth behind them or were only the dreaded "conspiracy theories."
Actually, I also believe that Rich Rod's win/loss record will go a long way to moving beyond this problem. Same thing with Beilein.
However, if Stapleton had a problem with the firing of Ellerbe, and the firing of Amaker, and the non-hiring of English, then this is an on-going issue that needs to be dealt with. It is hard for me to imagine ANYONE who thinks that Ellerbe should have stayed (or Amaker, for that matter.) And thinking back to The Horror , who in their right mind would want English as the head coach? I'm glad that Martin has had the cojones to do the right thing on so many fronts. Looking at the stadium renovation and expansion, the new practice facilities for football and basketball, the new soccer stadium, the great coaches in Basketball and Football, I am hard pressed to think of ANYONE better suited to be athletic director.
September 22nd, 2009 at 1:06 PM ^
I just don't get these so-called "Michigan Men" (Stapleton if true) having these aggressive agendas against the Maize and Blue because something didn't go their way. It's so damn childish. Suck it up and put the team first. If you aren't willing to do that, then to hell with you.
September 22nd, 2009 at 1:45 PM ^
Its found in organizations of any size. Someone with X amount of power figures they can X+sigma amount of power if they can get so-and-so hired, fired or re-assigned. Such people are willing to subvert the progress and achievement of the entire organization to achieve their own aims.
September 22nd, 2009 at 1:07 PM ^
Maybe Sunday morning I think it must have been? According to some poster at Mlive.com, Rick Leach had talked about people inside the program trying to undermine Rich Rod. Supposedly Leach said he and others know who it is, and it will all come out soon.
I don't live in the area to listen to WTKA, so I wonder if anybody here can confirm this. If Rick Leach is on to something, maybe there's truth to these talks. I normally find it useless to engage in internet speculations, but it will be interesting if a conspiracy will be unveiled.
September 22nd, 2009 at 1:13 PM ^
Well, this is an interesting development. I figured someone had to have been feeding the media inside info; there's no way that Rosenberg would have gone to media days, interviewed Stokes, have a light bulb go off in his head thinking "hey, maybe I need to look into this," and then post a story in the Freep within a week. The Detroit News story on the mortgage conflict of interest is another baffling one; who the hell starts trying to dig up dirt on people by looking at mortgages and what banks were used and who owns the bank? That story would have never happened unless someone was feeding the Detroit News inside info.
Well, with this Stapleton guy is gone, hopefully the AD will be less leaky, but I wouldn't be surprised if there is still a strong pro-Miles, anti-Rod contingent in the athletic department.
September 22nd, 2009 at 1:24 PM ^
Back and to the left.
Back and to the left.
Back and to the left.
September 22nd, 2009 at 1:29 PM ^
is his wife drew sharp?
September 22nd, 2009 at 1:36 PM ^
I kind of believe it - - There has to be some type of explanation for the witch hunt
September 22nd, 2009 at 1:54 PM ^
Disturbing story about this Stapleton guy. I suppose everyone has an 'agenda', but some seem particularly disturbing.
Yet, M's current 3-0 record helps quiet the storm. Also, if this angle is true then 'outing' and 'exiting' the culprit lessens their political capital. So, things should be 'smoother' from here on out, right?
Martin and RR should be fine if the team keeps winning. Despite the mud that has been slung... they are doing better with each week (and W).
September 22nd, 2009 at 1:59 PM ^
Stapleton is a very powerful dude. He's an EMU regent appointed by the governor, an Illitch family ally and the main financial backing for Dave Bing. I wouldn't underestimate him.
September 22nd, 2009 at 2:05 PM ^
...but being a political person he will know when to back off. As long as Mary Sue Coleman is president, Martin does not have to worry. Should Coleman leave before Martin decides to hang 'em up, then it could be a bit of a mess especially in choosing the next Athletic Director.
September 22nd, 2009 at 2:56 PM ^
If any of this turns out to be true, I wonder if it will become a big story. I would hope the reporter does some thorough research (unlike Rosenberg), since these are also un-named sources and maybe Stapleton had nothing to do with the Freep story and isn't against Martin.
September 22nd, 2009 at 2:10 PM ^
Mr. James F. Stapleton
201-B Welch Hall
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
810-794-9160
[email protected]
We should all either call or email him and tell him to lay off of RichRod....we all love English, but it only hurts Michigan do this to the program....Ron English's time will come.
Rodriguez is kind of a minority anyway.
Let's contact him. I'll be the first.
September 22nd, 2009 at 2:24 PM ^
Umm, not to accuse, but you of all people should respect other's privacy and not break it lightly. (unless your post is sarcastic, and my meter is broken.)
Seriously, send an e-mail to Brian and ask what he thinks. Otherwise, it is over the line to post addresses, phone numbers, etc.
September 22nd, 2009 at 2:41 PM ^
these are unsubstantiated accusations by anonymous sources.
Don't get carried away.
September 22nd, 2009 at 3:15 PM ^
I think we need haiku about this.
September 22nd, 2009 at 4:18 PM ^
If he can make bold statements in the media, then I will contact him guilt free.
September 22nd, 2009 at 2:32 PM ^
But any layman can look it up on the internet....
I would think that MGobloggers would be smart enough to not do this.
September 22nd, 2009 at 2:56 PM ^
It would be best if someone with clout could out the guy (and reading MGoblog does not give you clout!). Probably uncover some shady business dealings. A sex scandal wouldn't hurt either.
I hate the idea of Michigan having its own Bobby Lowder. I understand that boosters play a certain role in the college game (although their money would be better spent given to a more charitable cause) and it's naive to underestimate how much influence money can buy. I would just hate to see one of the M coaches or someone in the AD lose a job because of this guy, if the rumors are true regarding a conspiracy.
September 22nd, 2009 at 3:42 PM ^
Don't call or contact Stapleton....just let our fellow Michigan Men handle it.
Sorry for over-stepping my boundaries
September 22nd, 2009 at 4:04 PM ^
This makes perfect sense, unfortunately.
I think English has good leadership qualities but come on now - he was a coordinator for only two years, and they weren't even that great. It'd be one thing if we'd hired a guy like DeBord, who didn't have the track record, but RR? How could someone still be upset when we hired a guy who was massively more qualified than every internal candidate? You cannot with a straight face argue that English makes more sense as our HC than RichRod.
I don't think we need to do anything. The notion that we should replace RR with English is ridiculous on its face and won't be taken seriously by many people.
September 22nd, 2009 at 4:23 PM ^
I've got a pitchfork. Who has the tar and feathers?
September 22nd, 2009 at 4:44 PM ^
There are plenty of bigwig people who are fed up with Bill Martin for a variety of reasons, but Ron English has nothing to do with it.
At the end of the day, there are a lot of folks who see Bill Martin as a money guy with less-than-spectacular people skills and less-than-spectacular athletic credentials. Not saying I think it's entirely true, but they have a point.
That being said, I don't think he's going anywhere, especially with Mary Sue calling the shots. What I will say is that I think there are plenty of people who wouldn't miss him all that much.
September 22nd, 2009 at 4:50 PM ^
He hired a great basketball, football, baseball coach. Those 3 sports each got new facilities and the luxury box idea is 75% sold.
Maybe it has something to do with non-revenue sports, but football and basketball fans should love the job that he has done.
I definitely do.
September 22nd, 2009 at 4:52 PM ^
Well, took him two tries to get the basketball coaches right. Men's and Women's. His dogged defense of Amaker was comical.
I mean, you're right to a point, but let's not pretend he's perfect.
September 22nd, 2009 at 7:07 PM ^
And it took him three tries to get Rich Rod.
Martin's management of facilities and finances* has been very good. The new stadium design is exceptional, and it looks like he's going to get everything sold, somewhat to my surprise.
His PR skills need some work: "We don't think we're doing anything wrong, but we're going to investigate" and "I didn't know, but now I do, so now I'm concerned." (Those are not direct quotes, but they are pretty accurate in terms of context.)
And I think Mary Sue Coleman gets a lot of credit for landing Rich Rod. I really hope she doesn't get the NCAA job, we really don't need the turmoil.
*Edit - And let's remember he was brought in to solve the financial issues, when he did exceptionally well.
September 22nd, 2009 at 6:16 PM ^
Martin gave Amaker every chance to succeed, and then pulled the plug when it became obvious that he wasn't the answer. What was wrong with that? Would you have preferred that he be coy about Amaker's job security for a long time, thereby destroying any sense of stability and sabotaging our recruiting?
Amaker might not have been a good bench coach, but he did land two major recruits (DeShawn Sims and Manny Harris) in his final two years on the job. Having Martin's firm backing probably helped Amaker a lot in those recruiting efforts.
September 22nd, 2009 at 5:14 PM ^
Former chief of the American Sailing association, member of the USOC board of directors... yeah, those are some awful sports credentials...
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:04 PM ^
The fact that Stapleton's name has come out is kind of odd. It's one of those connect-the-dots things that was done in the same way the Rodriguez as Satan bullshit has come out: someone finally talked, and Stapleton has many irons in the fire as "evidence."
And by the way, he is NOT a "former employee" of UM. He is still involved, at least, allegedly, from a booster standpoint, but I don't think has been on UM's payroll.
A funny thing about him is that h apparently has some sort of business that is involved with NCAA compliance issues--what that entail, I do not know.
I still think it naive to assume that "winning will make all this go away"--take a look at Tommy Tubberville at Auburn for example. In the Big Game of life that probably very few of us have any involvement or understanding of, guys like this play for keeps: and "keeps" means power and influence. It means agenda pushing. Winning? A mere sidebar. In fact, something to deflect the attention of the masses whilst the Wheels of Life grind away, and Those with the Keys to the Executive Washroom decide the fates of the denizens they suck the life out of with dead end jobs and carrots at the end of the sticks that tell us we have hope for the future. HA! I say!
Stapleton is The Rat. Email him; bug the shit out of him; get the pitchforks and torches ready (figuratively, o course. He might be bigger than me and I'll be scared of him). The PEN IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD!
Sic semper tyrannis!
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:17 PM ^
"And by the way, he is NOT a "former employee" of UM. He is still involved, at least, allegedly, from a booster standpoint, but I don't think has been on UM's payroll."
He used to be on the UM Board of Regents.