jeffmo
08-01-2008, 11:20 AM
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1103451892/Rodriguez-deal-leaves-funny-smell-in-Michigan
Chuck Landon: Rodriguez deal leaves funny smell in Michigan
Jul 15, 2008 @ 12:00 AM
By CHUCK LANDON
The Herald-Dispatch
Rich Rodriguez got off easy.
Too easy.
As far as I'm concerned, the controversial former West Virginia University head football coach got away with "Grand Theft Contract."
Instead of having to ante up the entire $4 million Rodriguez was obligated to pay to WVU for walking out of his contract, the Mountaineers let him off the financial hook for just $1.5 million.
The remaining $2.5 million, as well as his legal fees, are being paid immediately by Rich Rod's new employer -- the University of Michigan.
That means we now know what the going rate for integrity is in the land of Maize & Blue.
Remember, this is the same University of Michigan that pompously proclaims that it's an institution that holds itself to a "higher standard."
Well, from where I'm sitting, UM just dropped the bar so low in this limbo contest about the only thing that still can pass under it is Rodriguez' ethics.
How low can you go?
Apparently, pretty darned low in Ann Arbor.
All it takes is the threat of being deposed. Once Mary Sue Coleman, Michigan's president, discovered she was on the verge of having to give a deposition and make a guest appearance in this ugly, seven-month long, sports soap opera, she reached for her purse.
And Michigan's purse strings.
Quicker than Guerlain could suggest the right fragrance to hide the stench of these cesspoolish proceedings, the check was written and the air was cleared.
Shalimar, Mary Sue?
Unfortunately, not even Febreeze could eliminate the odor wafting off of Rodriguez' part of the deal. It stinks to high "Almost Heaven."
Rodriguez is being allowed to pay the $1.5 million in three $500,000 installments beginning in 2010.
Does everybody realize the financial ramifications of that?
OK, picture this.
Rich Rod's $500,000 installment essentially will be the same as Morgantown mogul Mike Puskar donating a half-million dollars to WVU.
It will supply Rodriguez with a very nice tax write-off not once, not twice, but on three separate 1040s.
Geez, who is Rich Rod's tax adviser -- Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Douglas H. Shulman?
Now, that's what I call an H&R Block. ... and tackle.
It means Rodriguez is getting away with highway robbery. He ought to be sent to the "Big House" for that.
Oh, I forgot. He's already there.
Fielding Yost must be turning over in his grave.
I'll give credit to the Michigan media for one thing. Some of those scribes certainly have seen through Rodriguez much quicker than most of the West Virginia press corps did.
After six years of fawning and pawning, the Mountain State media finally removed its Rich Rod goggles when Rodriguez bolted so unceremoniously to Michigan.
It hasn't taken Detroit Free Press sports columnist Michael Rosenberg nearly that long. In fact, he already has figured out Rodriguez' agenda.
In a column last week, Rosenberg wrote, "Rodriguez is an excellent coach. I'm not sold that he is the right coach for Michigan.
"He can charm the media, which is nice. But those who have attended his practices say Rodriguez' staff uses some of the foulest, most degrading language imaginable. I know coaches curse and I'm no prude, but this goes way beyond a few dirty words. He belittles his players."
Welcome to the "Rich Rod Experience," Michigan.
Better them, than us.
Chuck Landon: Rodriguez deal leaves funny smell in Michigan
Jul 15, 2008 @ 12:00 AM
By CHUCK LANDON
The Herald-Dispatch
Rich Rodriguez got off easy.
Too easy.
As far as I'm concerned, the controversial former West Virginia University head football coach got away with "Grand Theft Contract."
Instead of having to ante up the entire $4 million Rodriguez was obligated to pay to WVU for walking out of his contract, the Mountaineers let him off the financial hook for just $1.5 million.
The remaining $2.5 million, as well as his legal fees, are being paid immediately by Rich Rod's new employer -- the University of Michigan.
That means we now know what the going rate for integrity is in the land of Maize & Blue.
Remember, this is the same University of Michigan that pompously proclaims that it's an institution that holds itself to a "higher standard."
Well, from where I'm sitting, UM just dropped the bar so low in this limbo contest about the only thing that still can pass under it is Rodriguez' ethics.
How low can you go?
Apparently, pretty darned low in Ann Arbor.
All it takes is the threat of being deposed. Once Mary Sue Coleman, Michigan's president, discovered she was on the verge of having to give a deposition and make a guest appearance in this ugly, seven-month long, sports soap opera, she reached for her purse.
And Michigan's purse strings.
Quicker than Guerlain could suggest the right fragrance to hide the stench of these cesspoolish proceedings, the check was written and the air was cleared.
Shalimar, Mary Sue?
Unfortunately, not even Febreeze could eliminate the odor wafting off of Rodriguez' part of the deal. It stinks to high "Almost Heaven."
Rodriguez is being allowed to pay the $1.5 million in three $500,000 installments beginning in 2010.
Does everybody realize the financial ramifications of that?
OK, picture this.
Rich Rod's $500,000 installment essentially will be the same as Morgantown mogul Mike Puskar donating a half-million dollars to WVU.
It will supply Rodriguez with a very nice tax write-off not once, not twice, but on three separate 1040s.
Geez, who is Rich Rod's tax adviser -- Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Douglas H. Shulman?
Now, that's what I call an H&R Block. ... and tackle.
It means Rodriguez is getting away with highway robbery. He ought to be sent to the "Big House" for that.
Oh, I forgot. He's already there.
Fielding Yost must be turning over in his grave.
I'll give credit to the Michigan media for one thing. Some of those scribes certainly have seen through Rodriguez much quicker than most of the West Virginia press corps did.
After six years of fawning and pawning, the Mountain State media finally removed its Rich Rod goggles when Rodriguez bolted so unceremoniously to Michigan.
It hasn't taken Detroit Free Press sports columnist Michael Rosenberg nearly that long. In fact, he already has figured out Rodriguez' agenda.
In a column last week, Rosenberg wrote, "Rodriguez is an excellent coach. I'm not sold that he is the right coach for Michigan.
"He can charm the media, which is nice. But those who have attended his practices say Rodriguez' staff uses some of the foulest, most degrading language imaginable. I know coaches curse and I'm no prude, but this goes way beyond a few dirty words. He belittles his players."
Welcome to the "Rich Rod Experience," Michigan.
Better them, than us.