Dantonio: I've Done Nothing Wrong and I'm Not Retiring

Submitted by BursleyHall82 on

Dantonio just read a statement at the Breslin Center saying, of course, that he did nothing wrong, that he's a great guy, and that he runs a clean program. He then took a direct question, asking if he was retiring, and he said no.

Did not address any specific allegations in the ESPN story, of course.

Pride comes before the fall. Dantonio still thinks he's in the "pride" phase.

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trappedinohio

January 27th, 2018 at 3:10 AM ^

Actual quotes from this site, made by you on this same topic:

"He lived in my hall at UM back in the day. He's very quirky and self-centered and prone to making immature and stupid comments. And he does wear out his welcome."

"Having said that, he is a great evaluator of talent and coach who will turn the program around. But let's not make a dem-god out of him as he has plenty of faults"

"No, but he hit one in the face front of me while drunk one night."

"...but my hope is that he fixes the program before it happens."

 

So you "witnessed" Harbaugh punch someone in the face. And now you're saying he sexually assualted this person. Which is it? Conviniently you left out the sexual assault part before and now choose to bring it up right when sexual assault becomes a hot topic. It had such an effect on you that you were bothered by him being on the same campus as your daughter. Yet "he's a great evaluator of talent and coach who will turn the program around" and your "hope is that he fixes the program". Are you fucking kidding me? Either you prioritize the state of Michigan's football program over the safety of your daughter / women in general or you're spewing bullshit. My guess would be the latter. 

Joined: 09/09/2017

MGoPoints: 1018

Reader71

January 26th, 2018 at 9:33 PM ^

You’re really making unreasonable demands on the guy. Assuming what he’s saying is true, you want him to go to police to report something that happened 36 years ago when the victim hasn’t? He could do that, but is that something you want to keep demanding? Haven’t we learned not to defend against allegations we know nothing about? Don’t defend your heroes. That’s how PSU got JoePa and MSU got these guys.

Joined: 08/30/2009

MGoPoints: 22968

BlueWon

January 26th, 2018 at 9:49 PM ^

for making the point for me.

Cults of personality are wrong.

I think Simon was the president of MSU for, what, 17 years? I'm not aware of any large university that doesn't term limit them out after 8 or so years. It leads to inbred situations exactly like what we see in EL.

Joined: 04/10/2015

MGoPoints: 3940

crg

January 26th, 2018 at 10:06 PM ^

How is this unreasonable? Yes, along time has passed, but if he (and many other people he stays in contact with, per his own words) saw a potential serious crime take place, it is their responsibility to report it. Any statutes of limitation are secondary, since that is up to the authorities to consider. The civic duty is to report a crime to the appropriate authorities (in this case AAPD or Washtenaw County Sheriff) and let them deal with it. I do not say this lightly either, but I agree that no one is above the law. If this is true, then let it go public. If not, then you should be ashamed of yourself. Either way, your statements have put an onus on you (and the other witnesses you know were present). Ball is in your court now - put up or shut up. Also - I say this as a UM alum who witnessed a hit and run by a major personality in the school while I was a student. I gave statement to police and was prepared to testify in court until a plea bargain was struck - so I've been there too,

Joined: 04/30/2015

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You Only Live Twice

January 26th, 2018 at 10:08 PM ^

This guy has nothing.  Hence, when you ask him to put up or shut up, he will do neither.  Tell him he's full of crap and move on.  You can't go back 35 years and fix whatever happened or didn't happen.  Don't reinforce his imaginary platform.

Joined: 09/14/2013

MGoPoints: 9615

Reader71

January 26th, 2018 at 10:14 PM ^

It’s unreasonable for a few reasons. 1. He is under no legal obligation to report. You’re arguing for a supralegal demand, which leads to; 2. He’s just a guy saying a thing on the internet. You’re arguing for a higher standard than the law, and in response to an internet story. That’s unreasonable if the word is to have any meaning. Also, 3. You’re seemingly arguing for him to report it to satisfy your need to believe/disbelieve his story. Again, this is unreasonable. Take his story or leave it, but don’t demand a legal complaint. Why would the complaint persuade you anyway? False reports exist, as do unreported crimes. 4. Maybe you’re not doing it as a way to say, “Report or I don’t believe you.” Maybe you’re making a moral judgment on his failure to report it at the time. If you are, he’s failed your moral test. That does not affect the veracity of his story in any way. Calm down, use reason. I suggest that you’ll see you’re being overly defensive of a guy you respect. That’s understandable, but probably not wise.

Joined: 08/30/2009

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crg

January 26th, 2018 at 10:35 PM ^

I completely agree with you that there is no legal obligation to report anything here. I never claimed there was, but did suggest it was a "civic duty" to report a witnessed crime - just as voting is also seen as a civic duty. As such, there is no argument for anything above and beyond the standard of the law - only a call to use the legal system in place instead of using an online forum to levy accusations. As we have all seen from these various sexual assault stories over the past decade or two, one of the largest impediments is failure to report and follow through (by victims, witnesses, authorities, etc.) So, perhaps I am getting defensive about the anonymous internet guy's story, but if he has these facts at his disposal, then why not follow through? Again, no one is above the law, even our own coach, but I would rather see the legal system make that determination and not internet rumors.

Joined: 04/30/2015

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Reader71

January 26th, 2018 at 10:46 PM ^

I know you didn’t claim he had a legal duty, but I brought that up to show how unreasonable your demand is. You’re asking for something the law doesn’t even ask, and in response to an internet rumor. Come on. Your second question is a good one. Why not follow through? There are, of course, an infinite number of reasons why not, the most likely one that he just doesn’t care enough. Again, maybe that makes him a bad guy. But bad guys can also tell the truth. I happen to think the guy is probably a Spartan troll who is doing this to deflect. It seems like whataboutism, like screaming, “emails,” while grabbing someone by the pussy. He did bring it up in this thread, after all. But you’re doing quite a bit of deflection yourself, which is what I’m getting at. You seem to be saying that he can’t be believed unless he makes a police report — this is unreasonable on its face unless you believe that all crimes go reported. You also seem to be calling out his moral character, which is fine, but has nothing to do with his claim. No matter which way you look at this, you continue to defend an unreasonable position. Just say you don’t believe him and be done with it.

Joined: 08/30/2009

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BlueWon

January 26th, 2018 at 10:56 PM ^

You won't find a bigger UM fan than me. We are now, with the graduation of my daughter last spring, a three generation family.

I replied to a post indicating Harbaugh should punch Dantonio and thought, based on my own personal experience, that would be very hypocritical.

There is no legal recourse at this point and probably wasn't any then (given my lack of legal standing) to file a complaint. 

 

Joined: 04/10/2015

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crg

January 26th, 2018 at 11:09 PM ^

You do not need standing to file a police report. The actual complaint filed in court would come from either the prosecutor or the victim (if she is found or comes forward). If this story is true, it probably would not be difficult for the authorities to find her (provided witnesses, such as yourself, come forward to them).

Joined: 04/30/2015

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crg

January 26th, 2018 at 11:22 PM ^

You talk about unreasonable demands/expectations, but what exactly are you suggesting should happen here? A person has made a claim about a serious past physical/sexual assault made by a major figure at the university. Do we ignore it because it is "internet rumor" or because it was "so long ago" or because "he probably doesn't care anymore"? Do we go the PSU/MSU route and shout him down and stop listening? Basically, when do you suggest we act on allegations and when should we ignore them? Going on the record compels everyone to tell the truth, since there are legal ramifications for falsehoods at that point.

Joined: 04/30/2015

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Reader71

January 26th, 2018 at 11:31 PM ^

You ask all sorts of interesting, but completely unrelated and unfocused questions. You can believe it or disbelieve it. You can ignore it or act on it. Do whatever you like. Just weigh all factors. That this is an internet story in this thread is a major factor, in my opinion. That he is accusing a popular football coach is a huge factor for you, obviously, since you’re demanding things that I don’t believe you would demand if the story was, “I saw a stranger sexually assault and hit another stranger.” Why are you so set on compelling the guy to tell the truth? I think the reason is because it’s about a guy you respect, and you’re blindly defending him. Again, I think that’s a natural reaction (to defend, not your specific demand) but probably not a good one. People blindly defended Catholic priests, JoePa, Nassar, an all sort s of creeps.

Joined: 08/30/2009

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crg

January 27th, 2018 at 12:11 AM ^

Except this is not a story about "stranger A hit stranger B". The story is "Person 1 was seen hitting Stranger B by Person 2, who also claims it was seen by Persons 3 thru N, some of who may know the identity of Stranger B." If the story is true, this is well beyond a hypothetical. I am not demanding anything, but it seems that the current environment does encourage/compel people to act when there is evidence of a crime. You claim I'm defending Harbaugh. If he did this, he should be held accountable. If I was blindly defending him, I would dismiss the accusation out of hand. I am, instead, encouraging this person to take his story to the authorities and let them get to the truth of it. Isn't that the way it should be done for any case?

Joined: 04/30/2015

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Ryno2317

January 27th, 2018 at 2:23 AM ^

No statute of limitations for civil torts?? What are you talking about?  Unless you are a priest who touched boys or stole gold for the Nazis, virtually everything has a SOL.  Wanns know why?  Because memories fade, witnessess don't remember what actually happened, and evidence goes stale.  

Joined: 10/14/2013

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TrueBlue2003

January 27th, 2018 at 2:58 AM ^

go to authorities to report the hit and run that had no other evidence of occuring other than your statements (because that's what you're asking him and sexual assault victims and survivors to do, it's a terrible case to have to fight and relive)?

I imagine there was a person injured and physical proof of it happening and that there were cops on the scene and you just had to stand around for a while to tell your story (I've been a witness to car accidents too).

Get off your high horse and stop acting like a drunk college kid who was one of many bystanders to a crime he probably didn't think much of at the time (raise your hand if you were a misogynistic jerk in college....me!) should have had the sole responsibility of reporting it.

Anyway, I think he's a troll but he's not deflecting the MSU situation, but rather proving that we would turn into the same defensive a-holes Spartan fans have become if our Supreme Leader Harbaugh were being accused of wrongdoing (which he's successfully done by showing that we turn into the same clueless people asking why the victim didn't come forward earlier, etc, etc.).

The reason he probably didn't come forward and the reason so many victims don't and can't is because their lives will be made far worse if they do, especially when it involves a public figure.

Joined: 01/05/2010

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Khaleke The Freak

January 27th, 2018 at 9:19 AM ^

Grab her boob, grab her but or did he digitally penetrate 150 little girls and women or has he covered up rape on his football team like Dantonio? Get the fuck out of here with you comparison. Go back to the Kona coast and eat some applesauce.

Joined: 05/20/2017

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Arb lover

January 27th, 2018 at 9:48 AM ^

Look,

If this situation happened as described, it's a big shame on Harbaugh, and the university for covering it up 35 years ago, and maybe a frank discussion should be happening. I don't think anyone here means to defend Harbaugh against something if it's something he actually did. It's simply that the circumstances of this particular allegation are suspect, and it comes across as someone trying to get UM people to defend Harbaugh the way State fans are defending Dantonio, without reason.

1) being raised in a thread that is talking about Dantonio having had 1.7 sexual assaults reported per year over the past 10 years, and potentially having investigated and kept people on the team. Is Harbaugh a total role model? He's definitely human, (a DUI, etc), but he has worked harder than most of us and by all accounts is trying to be a great leader and family man. 

2) A 35 year old allegation made by an admittedly drunk person (or the only sober person at a wild party which I don't believe) who might not have witnessed the entire interaction. I could tell you my very negative personal experiences with several world leaders, but is it going to change your opinion of them? Hopefully not, at least unless you know me in real life.

The below is assuming the events did take place per your recollection.

Memory is a fickle thing, especially after 30+ years. We remember bits and pieces and especially if we think about them over the years, even our memory of events changes. I can get a husband and wife in the same room and ask them for details of memories of their daughter 10 years ago, and I will get wildly different responses to what happened in the wedding. Add into it not being completely lucid when the event happened, being in a busy and kenetic environment (lots of people in a loud party, packed together). Add to that not necessarily having watched the entire interaction (unless you were stalking Harbaugh). Perhaps the girl was a State fan down for the weekend, and she was trying to claw Harbaugh's eyes out. I have no idea. Perhaps UM police did an investigation based on several witnesses, the two parties, and looked at the injuries to Harbaugh's face. You say nothing was done, but did you ever go to the police to see if a police report had been filed? By your admission, no. Finally, its possible neither party even remembers the incident, but that at the time Harbaugh had several friends or even the RA who was the only non-drunk person and witnessed the whole thing, the short of it being at the time there was significant evidence exonerating Harbaugh completely, evidence which he has no possible way to collect 35 years after the fact. 

Joined: 11/26/2017

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BOX House

January 26th, 2018 at 9:28 PM ^

the answer is yes. If anyone has learned anything over the past year, it's that sexual assaults should be taken very seriously and should be reported. you and your friends should have called the police (in this alleged scenario). you're RA was certainly obligated to report it.

Joined: 12/14/2008

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wildbackdunesman

January 26th, 2018 at 9:52 PM ^

If your story is 100% true as you tell it, a 19 year old Freshman Harbaugh did a disgusting and idiotic thing while drunk.  Is it not possible that he has bettered himself over the years?  Does this fairly compare to adults Izzo and Dantonio allegedly covering up rapes as leaders and figureheads of multimillion dollar institutions?

Harbaugh doesn't deserve a pass if this is true, but you have to understand the skepticism of random internet claims and the non-equivalency between your story and what is going on at MSU.

Joined: 07/16/2008

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Ryno2317

January 27th, 2018 at 2:13 AM ^

You are being absurd. If Harbaugh did that as a 19 year old kid, that was very wrong.  Like all of us, we did things when we were young that were just plain stupid and -- if we are lucky -- we learned from them.  I met him in a bar in Ann Arbor in 1996 and he could not have been nicer or more appropriate.  I was with some female classmates and he didn't treat them with anything other than respect.  Simply put, he acted that a mature adult.  Maybe he made a mistake when you saw him and meybe he grew into a better person. 

Joined: 10/14/2013

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Arb lover

January 27th, 2018 at 9:56 AM ^

But didn't even follow up with Michigan police or the athletic department when they were considering bringing Harbaugh here in 2015. If you actually believed this situation merited a second look at his becoming a college coach at Michigan (and knew about it with your daughter being a senior there, etc.), that would have been a great time to bring it to the University's attention so they could have done some digging at the time. Given your earlier post last week on how Dantonio has outcoached Harbaugh every year over the last three years, I'm guessing you are simply a troll, and before you logged on here last night you were talking to your Spartan Friends (perhaps your MSU professor friend). It went something like this:

Hey Spartans, watch me go troll MgoBlog, those guys think they are holier than thou because we are defending Dantonio. I bet I can get them to defend Harbaugh.

Joined: 11/26/2017

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