Rich Rodriguez' Agent Admits Ties to Sports Gambling: What About the Pitt Game?

Scott Pauley explains how Rich Rodriguez' agent, Mike Brown, could have had a hand in the WVU loss to Pitt in 2007.

by Scott Pauley (Analyst)

10

1234 reads

Editorial

May 31, 2008

College Football, WVU Football, Michigan Wolverines Football, Rich Rodriguez, Editorial

In the never ending saga of uselessness, it is now known that Coach Rod's agent, Mike Brown, has ties to sports gambling. 

It seems that maybe Rod is controlled more by his agent than his "love" of football and/or money.

In the past I have defended Rod against the accusations that he threw the Pitt game.  However, if one would think hard and long enough, some pieces just might fit that (sudoku) puzzle.

Brown has admitted to "shopping around" for Coach Rod.  He was continually trying to find him another job.  Brown has also admitted to having ties to pro and college betting. 

Ya think that Brown's control over Rod had anything to do with the loss to Pitt in the Backyard Brawl?

I really hate to insinuate this heinous act, but in all actuality, it could be the truth.

I really do not believe Coach Rod would throw a game.  On the other hand, if he is trying stay in the pocket of a corrupt agent, he just may have to "not try as hard.” Does that make sense? 

Brown tells Rod to throw the game, then bets against WVU.

You can view the story and deposition of Mike Brown in the headlines section of www.thankscoachrod.com.

Though I hope the former coach of Coach Bill Stewart's Fiesta Bowl Champs would not stoop so low, after the latest news I am forced to reevaluate the facts and my opinions before I conclude on the matter.

No matter what, Michigan fans better get ready for a bumpy season:  A season in which the head coach's mind is far from Ann Arbor.

Editorial

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comments (10) write a comment »

  1. WVU lost to Pitt because Pat White was injured. I can't see anybody throwing a game that, if WVU won, would have sent them to the national championship.

    1. I agree. Just want to cause speculation and convey my deep dislike for Mike Brown...lol. Thanks for the comment

  2. After seeing what Pete Rose went through, I don't think anyone would ever think of throwing a game, especially since his agent bet on it.

  3. I have to say Scott, it is a way to get people talking about the devilish possibilities of Mr. Brown and his greed for money or whatever else it may be that motivates (probably coach rod being wrapped around his pinky). But really---- as much as some people in this great state may want it o be factual --- Coach Rod throwing the Pitt game probably didn't happen! But it does continue the controversy that he so deserves for dumping so many people including his players!

  4. you cant say that wvu lost because pat white was injured. Jarrett Brown is perfectly capable of beating anyone (remember rutgers). Im not saying he threw the game but I do think his ego got in his was and he didnt want to go away from "his" offense even when it wasnt working. but could you imagine with the odds against pitt winning that game how much brown woulda won if he bet against wvu. hmmm makes ya wonder...GOOO EEEERRRSSSS! with rich fraudriguez

  5. that was supposed to say without rich fraudriguez lol...i cant type

  6. There's no way that missing the national title game would make Rodriguez more desirable to a higher profile school than West Virginia. In fact, that would have made him more money to beat Pitt since it costs more to pry a coach away from a team in the national title game.

  7. like i said...i dont think he threw the game but i do think he has the biggest ego in college football outside of maybe steve spurrier and that caused them to lose. i dont think it was pat white's injury. and when a coach splits on a team that soon knowing they are still going to a big bowl game against a great team in oklahoma you gotta think something is up. oh by the way WVU 48 Oklahoma 28 without rodriguez.

  8. he did not need to throw the game ,just keep it close,cover the spread

  9. I don't think he threw the game in the literal sense, especially not for a bet. Here is the only conspiracy theory I have pondered (though I am not saying it is reality): I think it is important to consider the time frame. Michigan needed and wanted to get a new coach in place right away. If Rodriguez had beaten PITT he would have also felt absolutely obligated to stay with WVU during the National Title game, which would have more than likely cost him a chance at being the Wolverines new head coach. But the truth is simple Rodriguez is just a stubborn coach who doesn't make adjustments.

    “If you tuned into West Virginia’s two defeats …versus South Florida (who has beaten WVU two years in a row with great defense) and Pittsburgh, you would have shook your head saying “What’s all the fuss about?”
    “As a former offensive coordinator myself, I must admit that one of the hardest things to do is get away from something that is so successful so often. Is it pride, ego, stubbornness, or the fear of not enough preparation or more importantly game exposure to ‘Plan B’ that prevents coaches from shifting gears when a defense hasn’t stopped you all day?” – From spreadoffense.com

    This, in my opinion sums up the losses to USF and PITT. Stubbornness. I mean if you are getting stuffed every play because the defense is loading the box, make some adjustments for goodness sake! Fortunately, I think the new coaching staff at WVU will make those in-game adjustments as needed and will begin each game with a more balanced attack plan. I think things are looking pretty good for the Mountaineers this season! Sometimes change is a very good thing. Perhaps this is the year that WVU finally gets revenge on the Bulls. I sure hope so!

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About the Author Scott Pauley (analyst)

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