Please ignore the media and everyone else
Alright, this is my only and final word on the subject of the NCAA press conference.
Here is what happened today:
1) The school announced what the NCAA had told them about what it believes the school did wrong.
2) Rational media heads explained that what was in the report was neither bad nor uncommon, but did indeed violate some of the rules. They predicted minor sanctions.
3) Non rational media heads explained what they believed was true regardless of what was in the report (I.E. - "They Cheated!"), and predicted a good old fashioned program drawing and quartering.
4) Non-media members who enjoy attention felt compelled to chip in, saying whatever they could to ensure they get a sound bite.
5) The school announced that its report on what it intends to do to fix the problems and discipline itself is due in 90 days, at which point the NCAA will rule on whether that's enough or not.
These changes and disciplines will include things like (fix paperwork issues, review and update job descriptions, add compliance personnel, replace certain staff members, and reduce scholarships by one for one year.
That's it. That's all you need to know. Any media member predicting otherwise, taking someone to task in print or on air, etcetera, is just stroking their own ego. They can't do anything about it. The NCAA isn't going to be influenced by the Drew Sharpe's of the world. The stadium isn't going to be only half full next year. And we're not going to fire our coach so long as he wins.
SO just relax, and ignore it.
February 24th, 2010 at 7:52 AM ^
The only ones that will keep talking about this are those you mention. I suggest no responses to these types and for that matter no further discussion. What value would that add? We will hopefully have closure in August. I expect changes but no significant penalties. Take a deep breath and relax.
February 24th, 2010 at 7:48 AM ^
"The NCAA isn't going to be influenced by the Drew Sharpe's of the world."
This is a very important point. People need to separate what the media are saying from the NCAA's investigation process.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:07 AM ^
Didn't this entire practice-gate investigation get started because of a report done by the goons at the Freep? The NCAA has an obligation to investigate any and all claims of wrong doing, but doesn't that prove on at least a small level, that the NCAA is listening/influenced by Sharpe/Snyder/Freep?
February 24th, 2010 at 8:12 AM ^
Sort of. The Free Press report did prompt the investigation. But the Freep crying, "OH! OH! Get them! Punish them! Kill them! They're evil!" isn't going to do jack squat. The only thing the Free Press managed to do was prompt the NCAA to investigate. That means they were mildly effective private eyes', nothing else.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:00 AM ^
"The NCAA isn't going to be influenced by the Drew Sharpe's of the world."
Yes, but recruits and most of the general public will. "Turning the other cheek" works in religious texts, but is surprisingly ineffective in the real world and usually results in two black eyes instead of one.
I like seeing people rush to the defense of the University of Michigan. It shows that people care and it gives some counterpoint to the rantings of the so-called "writers" and the Misdemeanor State trolls who are trying to use this as a tool to help sweep memories of the Great Frathouse Beatdown under the rug.
As always, though, the story will "go away" on its own, not when someone else dictates it. I think there are a lot of people here who have the intellect to make their own decisions as to when enough is enough without being told by a fellow poster.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:13 AM ^
People have the intellect here, but they are still an emotional bunch. Sometimes intellect is trumped by emotion. If any negative stories are posted today, the person posting should be heckled.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:14 AM ^
Seriously? You're going to take offense to someone providing a rational explanation as to why flooding the board and spending all their time worrying isn't necessary?
Okay... well, if that's the way you feel, then I'm sorry I suggested anything.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:32 AM ^
...is that every D1 coach in the country, in all likelihood, is thanking their lucky stars that they don't have malcontent players who have drummed up these practice time issues because they know they've bent or broken NCAA rules as well.
Damn frustrating. The crucifixion of RR continues unabated, and if he's ultimately removed (or resigns), the crucifixion will continue well into the future.
Not that wins are a panacea, but I think he really needs a minimum of 8 wins now and a bowl appearance to quell the onslaught.
If the NCAA, in their infinite "wisdom," decides to remove bowl eligibility from M, it will punish the kids, and obviously put a damper on short term recruiting.
Somehow, the Michigan name and reputation has to be restored. The big question is, can RR be the catalyst for this? Another question is, can wins alone restore them? Here's hoping.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:55 AM ^
I had heard about this a week ago. It seems that unlike other universities (USC, OSU), when the NCAA was asking questions within the other universities, no one would support the claims that had been made and things never progressed very far.
Unfortunately, at the University of Michigan, there are still factions and when the NCAA asked questions about the practice time issue, they were none too happy to provide additional information. My person told me that the NCAA then expanded their investigation. The University has suggested self-sanctions, but to my knowledge, they have not been accepted by the NCAA.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:00 AM ^
Your person is incorrect. We won't know if the NCAA approves the sanctions we put on ourselves until after we submit our report in 90 days.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:07 AM ^
... how about promising not to burn any rival coaches or players in effigy???
That should do it!
February 24th, 2010 at 11:20 AM ^
torching a few defenses, ripping off a few scorching runs, or being possessed of blazing speed.