Once again Rich Rodriguez runs to the media to ease his tortured soul.
In an interview conducted on ESPN, newly hired Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez pleaded for WVU fans to "stop making death threats to his family."
While no one with any sense would condone such behavior, it is worth noting every time coach Rodriguez gets some bad press he cries "wolf" about something WVU may have done.
As previously reported about these death threats, it appears no official police report has been filed. ESPN, in order to get the jump on the story as usual, fails to verify the facts or to even ask the coach about any official reports.
During the interview coach Rodriguez talks about how his children along with his nephew continue to be harassed by classmates who, according to Rodriguez, tape death threats on the kids' lockers.
While no one has actually seen these messages, media talking heads automatically assume this occurred.
At one point of the interview as he is mentioning his children coach Rod pauses and chokes back the forthcoming tear(s). This was a nice effect for the viewers tuning in for the "show."
Prior to this interview, coach Rodriguez was publicly called out by Purdue football coach Joe Tiller as being a "wizard and snake oil salesman." This was in response to Rodriguez "poaching" one of Tillers prized recruits, who had committed to Purdue prior to Rodriguez's arrival at UM.
Instead of addressing this issue, Rodriguez runs to the media about the death threats.
After WVU filed the lawsuit to recover the buyout clause of $4 million owed by Rodriguez to the school for taking the UM job as agreed upon in the contract signed in September, Rodriguez responded by accusing the WVU administration of not living up to a "verbal agreement" he made after signing the contract.
WVU then paid Rodriguez the $287,000 owed as a bonus for Rodriguez's services for the 2007 football season. Rodriguez offered to pay $1.5 million, when the school made it known they would not settle for anything less than the $4 million owed.
Rodriguez once again ran to the media and complained he never wanted to take another job, but the WVU administration had forced him to leave. This contrary to previous interviews where coach Rodriguez, when asked why he accepted the Michigan job, responded by stating "because it's Michigan."
So which is it, Coach?
When it was reported Rodriguez had returned to his WVU office and shredded "personal files" instead of just taking them with him. Suddenly news came out WVU had told Calvin McGee (who is African-American) he would never get the head coach's position because of his color, once again no official report or grievance was filed regarding this action.
This tit-for-tat game between Rich Rodriguez and the WVU administration, while not uncommon in legal issues, has become tedious and redundant. While the media fails to recognize Rodriguez's continuous efforts to improve his image by using hearsay over facts it will be the courts with the final word.
Coach Rodriguez, I wish you the best and hope the fans of Michigan are as forgiving if things start to go south in your first few years as WVU fans were.
So be the best "Michigan Man" you can be.
Hopefully the two schools will eventually meet on the gridiron and settle it once and for all.
Enjoy all the media attention you are getting now, because one of these days no one will be there when the real "wolf" shows up.
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8 months ago
You're an idiot. Get a life!
from 8 months ago
Calling someone a name like "idiot" is the result of having a small mind, if you don't like what I say fine I have no problem with that, but calling me an idiot is more a reflection of you than me. As far as getting a life, do I not have a right to express my opinion? Or is it that only reserved for people like yourself? Please don't bother responding it is purely a rhetorical question. I would not want you to strain yourself to maybe find a better response.
Semper Fi
8 months ago
rich rod is a scum bag and you michigan fans are naive!
8 months ago
God you people don't quit do you? When are you going to quit talking about this guy? If you want to move on, move on, stop giving him attention.
Why do you want to disclaim the fact that his family was getting threatened? Are you that bitter?
from 8 months ago
RR gets on television and makes these claims of threats, yet has no proof and you would have everyone just go along with it. So if I accuse you of threats to my family, you would have no problem with it right.
from 8 months ago
There have been no threats reported to authorties. So say the WV state police. If my life or my families lives were threatened, I would have filed a police report. This guy is working PR for the court case 24/7.
8 months ago
His wife and children are still living in Morgantown.If my children were getting threats I would have them with me in Ann Arbor....
8 months ago
All we want is the money.The papers in Detroit are the ones who will not let this die
8 months ago
COACH RICH FRAUDRIGUEZ
8 months ago
Easy remedy here - just pay the friggin buyout, like you agreed to do, and 99.9% of WVU fans will move on.
8 months ago
As far as the idiot comment, "anonymous" is entitled to his feeling as much as anyone else no matter how ridiculous it may be. As for Michigan fans being naive, maybe so...but they are some of the most intelligent individuals.
This whole argument between fans of WVU and UofM is insane. WVU fans have a right to be bitter but then to blame people of Michigan for "stirring" the pot or having anything to do with RR's departure is absurd. UofM fans should be a little more understanding of WVU's situation, having lost many recruits in the process. That's the only thing WVU fans can complain about...losing recruits. They can't likely complain about losing a coach after dragging RR through the mud and calling him everything but a gentleman. I agree RR should pay WVU a settlement, whatever amount is set forth by the court...even though there will be much bias in the final decision.
RR's claim about being treated badly or not getting what he was promised can only be refuted by the people that actually were involved in the situation. Anyone else claiming to know otherwise is obviously suffering from a common psychiatric issue diagnosed as Delusional Disorder. RR may be lying through his teeth but 99.99% of people have no clue to the truth.
You have to remember, journalists aren't the most compassionate of individuals. They don't have any problem making the problem appear to be much more severe than it really is. Their only reservation is to create havoc to the parties involved in any story. Its just a shame they've brought many innocent people into this mess. I feel that WVU and UofM fans need to let it go and hope for the best in both of our upcoming seasons. I think both programs will suffer to an extent, we'll just have to wait and see just how bad the suffering will be.
I don't agree with "Semper Fi's" comment about the relationship between "idiot" and "small mind" unless of course he is Semper Fi M.D. specializing in the diagnosis of "idiots." Unfortunately that's not the case otherwise I may have chosen that for my fellowship. Some people are truly idiots no matter what the case may be. I personally know many idiots that have a HUGE mind...speaking for a few doctors and lawyers that I work in close proximity to.
In the end, everyone will not necessarily forget this crazy circus of events, but most likely won't even give it a 2nd thought.
DP M.D.
8 months ago
As far as the idiot comment, "anonymous" is entitled to his feeling as much as anyone else no matter how ridiculous it may be. As for Michigan fans being naive, maybe so...but they are some of the most intelligent individuals.
This whole argument between fans of WVU and UofM is insane. WVU fans have a right to be bitter but then to blame people of Michigan for "stirring" the pot or having anything to do with RR's departure is absurd. UofM fans should be a little more understanding of WVU's situation, having lost many recruits in the process. That's the only thing WVU fans can complain about...losing recruits. They can't likely complain about losing a coach after dragging RR through the mud and calling him everything but a gentleman. I agree RR should pay WVU a settlement, whatever amount is set forth by the court...even though there will be much bias in the final decision.
RR's claim about being treated badly or not getting what he was promised can only be refuted by the people that actually were involved in the situation. Anyone else claiming to know otherwise is obviously suffering from a common psychiatric issue diagnosed as Delusional Disorder. RR may be lying through his teeth but 99.99% of people have no clue to the truth.
You have to remember, journalists aren't the most compassionate of individuals. They don't have any problem making the problem appear to be much more severe than it really is. Their only reservation is to create havoc to the parties involved in any story. Its just a shame they've brought many innocent people into this mess. I feel that WVU and UofM fans need to let it go and hope for the best in both of our upcoming seasons. I think both programs will suffer to an extent, we'll just have to wait and see just how bad the suffering will be.
I don't agree with "Semper Fi's" comment about the relationship between "idiot" and "small mind" unless of course he is Semper Fi M.D. specializing in the diagnosis of "idiots." Unfortunately that's not the case otherwise I may have chosen that for my fellowship. Some people are truly idiots no matter what the case may be. I personally know many idiots that have a HUGE mind...speaking for a few doctors and lawyers that I work in close proximity to.
In the end, everyone will not necessarily forget this crazy circus of events, but most likely won't even give it a 2nd thought.
DP M.D.
from 8 months ago
No need for me to comment on the body of your response, just wanted to let you know;
Semper Fi is not my name or moniker is it an abbreviated Latin phrase of Semper Fidelis(Always Faithful)
As a former Marine this is a motto for us
8 months ago
Rich is a crybaby, I came across this utube vid that sums it up. http://www.youtube.com/user/WVGameDay
8 months ago
How can anyone expect WVU to move on if the respondent keeps this mess in the headlines? Did you see Ed Pastilong or Joe Manchin crying on the idiot box about being stiffed? But you did see that EnRod's attempt to push the case to Federal Court failed on procedural grounds, and back to County Court he goes. I have the feeling he knew this was coming. EnRod is the only person who can stop all of this. By paying his buyout. Any other action on his part keeps the circus going.
8 months ago
I am just tired of all of this. Rod is doing his best to revitalize his image, and who can blame him? He has made a mess of it. Every team has their die hard idiots that do stupid things like tape notes on lockers. That is not 99.9% of WVU fans. I love how both sides talk about the "facts" yet no one on either side is in a position to talk about "facts" because the only facts they get are via the internet and bias sports writers. One thing that does upset me is the lack of class on both sides of this argument. Rod is gone face it WVU doesn't want him back anyway. And if I hear one more UM fan come back with this writer is an idiot, or this guy is a hillbilly, redneck, toothless, or and other slur, (and yes they are slurs just like the "N" word or anything else) I will puke. It shows a COMPLETE lack of class, and integrity, and if I were a Michigan fan I would be embarassed. All I see is WVU fans who care so much about this money (why?) you will never see it, and Michigan fans blindly defending a man who if he was just hired by Ohio State you would all be berating and slamming everyday. And you know you would. So for those of you who don't get it. Grow up and move on. Get a hobby...something.
from 8 months ago
Nick, it's not the money we're concerned with...it's the fact that he signed a contract with a clause that was intended to keep him at WVU. He reneged on the deal, so he should pay the consequences. Otherwise, the only thing the contract and such clauses are good for is toilet paper. As a WVU fan, I know we only want RR to honor his commitment for a change.
8 months ago
4 MILLION DOLLARS OHIO STATE-- YOU JACKASS--- GO WIN A NATIONAL TITLE. 4 MILLION MEANS A LOT OF THINGS---- DAHHHH WHY DONATE TO THE RED CROSS-- "THEY'LL NEVER SEE IT"
8 months ago
Michigan fans are a bunch of dick rods!!! How long will it be before they beat OSU again? I bet at least 4 years, probably more.
8 months ago
Facts - Coach Rod left West Virginia. Coach Rod and the boosters at WVU blame the athletic Department, the athletic department blames Rodriguez. Both the institution and the coach have been dragged through the mud and there is no end of this in the foreseeable future. With those facts the current situation seems to be much brighter for Michigan. Michigan Currently has the 5th rated class on scout.com and West Virginia has the 37th rated class. West Virginia does have more pieces in place for next year’s team but it will be interesting to see how coach Stew, who had a terrible experience the last time he was a head coach, will do this season.
I think that West Virginia Fans have been spurned by their coach leaving but I wonder why people there are not upset with an athletic department that will not improve facilities for what had become a top 10 football program...(also there were demands for an increase in Assistant coaches salaries and other peripherals that were not met). Maybe you should be angry at your governor who seems to be living out his dream of being a football coach instead of running your state? These are questions that people outside of West Virginia would have. Maybe the focus should not be on "Coach Rod" or "Coach Fraud" or whatever you folks want to call him, maybe the focus should be on the institutions and government officials that are not meeting expectations. What a novel idea, I must be a Michigan Grad or something like that.
from 8 months ago
In response to your statement regarding the athletic department those improvement have been done or are being completed. The things RR is saying were not done to his satisfaction was a web site devoted to him, much like the one Franchione had at Texas A&M, and we all know how well that worked out. He also wanted to have advertising put up around the field at Mountaineer stadium, not sure if that is something being done or not.
8 months ago
3 Things:
(1) Can anyone produce a police report concerning death threats to children? I know if my children were threatened, I would contact the police immediately. So far, no one can produce any evidence a formal complaint has been made.
(2) There have been several references in the media about the signs being taken down in his home town. The signs were taken down because they said, "Head Football Coach West Virginia University". The signs were no longer true. Taking the signs down wasn't a slam to Rich or his family.
(3) Pitt sucks!
8 months ago
I 2nd the above.
8 months ago
RR owes the people of West Virginia who support WVU....he owes us $4million. Pay up, shut up and play ball! PERIOD.
Kay
8 months ago
i just wish the buyout issue would be resolved in a timely manner.... Coach Rod is no doubt a great football coach, but as a WVU fan i think we are better off without him.... The emails from his agent to the administration show that he was trying to find a way out of West Virginia... and if you believe some of the rumors that were surrounding him while he was at WVU, his wife may have had some influence over his decision to leave for Michigan...... personnally i dont put much stock into rumors, but he definitely wanted out, and as someone else said the facility improvements were either complete or in the process of being developed.... just pay the buyout and all this goes away
8 months ago
Here is information about how dangerous it is for Rich-Fraud in Morgantown. The writer is a teacher at WVU and provides information given to her by students. Sounds like he and his family are still living and eating there without problem - in spite of his tears.
"It is my understanding that Rita and the kids are still living in their house out at Cheat Lake. The kids are still attending Cheat Lake Middle School where Rhett is still playing on the 6th grade basketball team.
It is also my understanding that the big addition they were putting on their house is not yet completed, so at a minimum, Rita is staying here until that's finished. There are lots of rumors floating around about whether she will ever go to Michigan at all, but I have no way of knowing whether those are true. I can tell you that there are still workmen over at their house pretty much every day during the day. Dave Humphrey may be able to add, correct or clarify this info.
One of my students works at Ruby Tuesday and he reported in class yesterday that Rich was in town over the weekend. Rich, Rita and the kids ate dinner at Ruby Tuesday Friday night (Rich had the cajun shrimp), and at Applebee's on Saturday night -- which is more than they were ever seen out in town when he worked here.
Another student who is from Fairmont and who has a relative who witnessed the event said that the day Rich's nephew was harassed at school in Fairmont, he was dressed head to toe in Michigan gear and perhaps may not have been behaving in an entirely humble fashion."
8 months ago
Here is information about how dangerous it is for Rich-Fraud in Morgantown. The writer is a teacher at WVU and provides information given to her by students. Sounds like he and his family are still living and eating there without problem - in spite of his tears.
"It is my understanding that Rita and the kids are still living in their house out at Cheat Lake. The kids are still attending Cheat Lake Middle School where Rhett is still playing on the 6th grade basketball team.
It is also my understanding that the big addition they were putting on their house is not yet completed, so at a minimum, Rita is staying here until that's finished. There are lots of rumors floating around about whether she will ever go to Michigan at all, but I have no way of knowing whether those are true. I can tell you that there are still workmen over at their house pretty much every day during the day. Dave Humphrey may be able to add, correct or clarify this info.
One of my students works at Ruby Tuesday and he reported in class yesterday that Rich was in town over the weekend. Rich, Rita and the kids ate dinner at Ruby Tuesday Friday night (Rich had the cajun shrimp), and at Applebee's on Saturday night -- which is more than they were ever seen out in town when he worked here.
Another student who is from Fairmont and who has a relative who witnessed the event said that the day Rich's nephew was harassed at school in Fairmont, he was dressed head to toe in Michigan gear and perhaps may not have been behaving in an entirely humble fashion."
8 months ago
Just another fact...The sign that was alleged to have been placed on RR's fence could not have been placed there...he has no fence. The sign that reads "Appalachian State Awaits 3-8= Fired" was attached to the gate at the entrance to the neighborhood where he lives, approximately 1/4 mile from his house. The sign was removed and stored.
8 months ago
Rod we Loved you while you were here now your gone.... you made some promises to us fans that you were goiong to be our coach till you retire,,, no matter whar your staying.... Well you didn't. Hope you read this personally I guess when family lets you down they let you down, you dont expect that out of family but when it does it hurts the most... not sure of your reasons money maybe? looks like you were getting what you nneded for you and your family to ritire here ... well you left had a deal ,deal was broken, time to honor that deal.. cough up the money you owe us and dont come back whining.... thats how i see it, we as respectable wvu football fans (borned and raised) have to see it. hope your health stays well and your football program goes to shit.... but give that money back to the school we'll be fine with out you dont you worry we always have been, we dont abandon one another i beleive its written in these hill somewhere. oh tell your other buddy beiline we said hello hope things going well for him there. well have a good life coach keep your family strong and say your prayers keep those things close to you, forget about the score of your games, they are meaninless to you now your coaching their team now, not yours.your team and home is here and it will stay strong without you. John Beverly A true WVU Fan from clarksburg.... oh yeah i wont forget seeing the old salem games either it was a good life with good people.
8 months ago
PAY UP DEADBEAT
8 months ago
You are absolutely WRONG when you say that "...the boosters at WVU blame the Athletic Department".. Maybe TWO highly vocal boosters blame the Athletic Department (Ken Kendrick & one or two others), but the overwhelming majority of boosters and contributors who contribute the overwhelming majority of the donations, back the Athletic Department 100%. I am a substantial donor and I know this for a fact.
Don't drink the CoolAid that Rich, Ken and Mike Brown (Rich's agent) are spouting. It is ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE.
8 months ago
Regardless of all this "coach fiasco", I personally feel WVU will field an extremely good team next year
with great coaches that are destined to teach student athletes in the proper manner. WVU has the
BEST quarterback returning, the ENTIRE offensive line returning, the kicker and punter returning, two
extremely fast and exciting running backs returning, and have geared up the defense with recruiting
super Junior College players. Look out...................WVU WILL be there.
Larry Bradfield
8 months ago
An additional note to any one reading this, on Sunday at 9:30 am est, ESPN will be running a segment on RR on the show "Outside the Lines." On the show ESPN will show the rest of the interview to which I referenced above.
Also the WV State police have intervened and have begun investigating RR claims of his childrens and families death threats. Interesting he still has not filed a formal report, actions were taken based on his interview on ESPN last Saturday night. Probably a far out question, but can any charges be filed against RR or ESPN, if it is found his "comments"have no merit. Would this be considered slander against the fans of WV. Any lawyers out there who may be able to answer this. I personally don't care about his comments, but it would prove my article's original statement.
Semper Fi
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