MSU's moral reputation
Somehow MSU has been able to portray itself as the most moral school in the state. Dantonio recruits in-state, and this is the right thing to do for Michigan. Far better to win with local boys than flashy recruits from California or Florida.
We were told repeatedly last night how inspiring the grass roots Spartans were, as if MSU basketball somehow chose to carry the state of Michigan on its back.
Then, at the post-game press conference, Tom Izzo gave the most moral and humble concession speech. He was classy and generous and what's more, he even coached with Judd Heathcoate. Unlike Belein, he's no journeyman. Instead he's loyal like coaches used to be. This is good for the state of Michigan.
This kind of thing used to bother me for obvious reasons, especially with regard to in-state football recruiting. But last night when MSU was getting blown out, the whole moral Sparty thing just seemed contrived -- and it didn't bother me anymore. I guess what I wonder is, why and how did all this moral Sparty business get started? Maybe the answer is obvious, but it still seems stupid and pathetic.
Journalsitic Hyperbole.
They WILL find a story codammit.
Considerate and humble man Izzo threw the game for the benefit of all the couches in the state of Michigan.
How about you just be happy for a bunch of kids going to a school in our state and their great season.
How about, NOOO! You crazy dutch bastard...
Really, why can't the Michigan fan base just be happy for MSU or MSU fans in this case? One of my parents went to MSU, one or more of the parents of most of my friends I met while at Michigan went to MSU, most of my hometown friends root for MSU.
MSU having a good or great season doesn't affect Michigan's season. They will get recruits no matter if they make the final four or not. Why can't we all just be happy for the people we know that follow MSU?
Well since some people you know went there, I'll just go out and buy a Michigan State hoodie today..
I'm not bitter about MSU, although it doesn't make me particularly happy when they do well. I don't care that much one way or the other. My point is just that for whatever reason State is somehow regarded by the media as moral and humble, while Michigan is portrayed as slick and arrogant. I don't think the kids who play for State are to blame for this -- they had a great season and deserve credit.
Thanks allot MSU for embarrassing the state of MI in the NCAA finals.
Considerate and humble? Moral? I knew a guy who played for Izzo, and he'd tell you in practice that he's going to call your parents and chew them out for ever birthing you, because you are a disgrace to human existence.
Paraphrased.
They also loved him for it, and he wouldn't exactly be the first coach with a mean mouth (although according to above guy, Izzo's natural intelligence made his tongue sharper than even 18-year-olds were braced for).
From all accounts, however, Izzo does take a very active role in the education and futures of his students, which is something not all top-echelon basketball coaches do, or at least not to that degree.
And as for getting your kids at home, there's nothing particularly special about a program recruiting in-state talent, especially when your state is the 9th most populous in the country, and 5th-largest producer of basketball talent. However, I would imagine that Izzo, who grew up in Michigan I believe, does take a special pride in giving opportunities to kids from his home state. It's not a moral thing as in right or wrong -- especially since he doesn't really recruit his home state any more than most any other basketball program does. But I like that he gives a damn.
Michigan State alumni outnumber Michigan alumni in every part of the state outside of Ann Arbor. They do not want to hear anything about the countless number of ways that Michigan is superior to Michigan State. They want to hear about why Michigan State is better than Michigan. Michigan newspapers are not being sold en masse outside the state of Michigan. Therefore, Michigan State gets better press than Michigan.
However, as Michigan State is only superior in basketball (and vet school), newspapers need to invent ways that Michigan State is better than Michigan. One way to do this is to frame an argument that Michigan State chooses to recruit in-state because they want to give kids from Michigan better opportunities, and not because Michigan State is incapable of getting top- notch out-of-state recruits, like Michigan can.
Another way to do this is hire a Michigan grad who hates Michigan and writes whatever will piss off enough people to get noticed.