Mark Dantonio Does It His Way, Popular or Not

"We are Michigan State.  So that's my answer."  -  Mark Dantonio answering a reporter when asked about his reaction to the hiring of Rich Rodriguez at Michigan.  

The smirk that followed said it all.  

The same thing happened to NBC sideline reporter Alex Flanagan in South Bend back in 2007.  Just before kickoff, Dantonio met her for a quick interview live on camera.  When asked what he thought the "mood" of the Irish would be after an 0-3 start, Dantonio bristled, "I don't really care about the mood of Notre Dame, I care about the Spartans."

His "Green" attitude in these situations play a big role in why Michigan State fans everywhere have taken such a liking to the guy.  He is one of them.  In the typical Michigan State fan's eyes, he gets it.  He refuses to buy into the mindset that seemed to permeate previous Spartan squads under old regimes.  

Gone are the days of Bobby Williams' blank stares and John L. Smith's...take your pick. Going back as far as George Perles' days in East Lansing, MSU seemed to be pegged as a second-class citizen in the state of Michigan.  

In just two years, things have certainly changed. 

The Spartans are coming of a very successful, if not overachieving season in 2008, that saw them put together back-to-back winning seasons, beat their hated rival down the road for the first time in six years, gain an invite to a New Years Day bowl game, and play for a share of the Big 10 title on the final Saturday of the season.

Because of his achievements thus far, Dantonio has earned some of what our friends in Washington like to call, political capital.  Judging by his actions thus far in 2009, he intends on using it.

Dantonio made waves earlier this month, when Sophomore Tailback Glenn Winston was reinstated to the MSU roster after serving four months in jail for an assault on MSU hockey player, A.J. Sturges.  The day Winston left jail, he was back out on the practice field.  The media smelled blood in the water, but Dantonio didn't blink.

He had a prepared statement ready to go.

"Glenn has done everything that he's been asked to do from a judicial and a team standpoint.  He has paid the penalty for his actions publicly, legally and athletically, and he worked hard to maintain his academic eligibility while doing so. We regret the entire incident, however at this time, it is important that we support Glenn socially, academically and athletically. He still has a lot of work to do."

It would have been very easy for Dantonio to wave goodbye to Winston after the incident. 

It surely would have made things easier on MSU, not to mention Mark Hollis, MSU's Athletic Director, who had this to say:

"I support Mark Dantonio's request to reinstate Glenn Winston. Glenn has much work to do, however, the athletics department will not turn its back on this young man. I am supportive of all student-athletes that are a part of our program. We will move forward and continue to support A.J. Sturges and Glenn with all the resources available to us."

So like a general sticking by his troops (Dantonio has been known to quote Patton), Dantonio stuck by his player.  At Winston's sentencing, along with his family, there for support, was Becky Dantonio, Mark's wife.

Now that Winston is back with the team, it remains to be seen how much playing time he will actually get.  He is trying to get into the mix at tailback, although his biggest contribution may end up being on special teams, where last year he averaged almost 23 yards per return, and nearly broke a few.

The first time Winston does break one may be when Dantonio's decision will truly get put to the test, as it will be sure to dredge up this story once more.  Fans will surely be quick to forgive, though the media can always have a different spin on things.

"Coach Dantonio, what is your reaction to Bob Barker's (Name changed for anonymity) story on your decision to play Glenn Winston?"

I think I may know the answer.