In Response to the University of Michigan Fanbase

On August 30, I posted a controversial article calling for the firing of Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez. The article, as I expected sparked some good conversation. However, I have never received so many personal attacks to my character or my ability as a writer. This is extremely uncalled for. Here is my response to those people.

I have to say, I'm genuinely shocked. I have always welcomed criticism on Bleacher Report and I think those who have followed my writing will find that I'm always up for an argument.

I'm happy to defend my point while taking opposing viewpoints into consideration, however when my personal character and writing ability is attacked, I feel that goes beyond the intended discussion intended for this website.

I have never received so much hate on anything I've written for this website. It could be that I underestimated the near zealous following of a portion of the Michigan fanbase.

Know however, that I have been a fan of Michigan since birth. My father attended the university and I grew up on Saturday's watching the games, with the occasional visit to Michigan stadium.

Michigan football remains one of my favorite things about the fall. They are my favorite team in all the land. Understand though, I am loyal to the school, not the coach.

Here are some of the comments I have received, names withheld.

"I dont think you you are the NCAA.so I dont think you deserve a opinion about the prestigious Michigan football program"

"What a joke you are for even posting this, Your not a Michigan fan your a little B*%$#h"

"This article stinks of a new writer on the block trying to jump on a baseless bandwagon based on the opportunity to say "I was the 1st to say this" and then follow it up with lots of "I told you so's". If the Bleacher Report has an interest in preserving its own integrity (does it have any?), then it should probably recommend that you take a hike."

"Interesting that a writer who is demanding that a high profile coach loose his job based on a handful of anonymous accusations, while writing an article that twists and distorts facts and history in order to make his case has the audacity to use the word "integrity"

"You are a total and complete idiot to suggest that Michigan automatically fire Rich Rodriguez...

...your suggestion that Feagin "blew up a dorm room" is unfounded and grounds for defamation."

"Actually, ****** may have a point on the defamation. Defamation is a statement that is false that injures the plaintiff's reputation. When the statement is regarding a private person, even negligently reported information is still defamation. Thus, if you learned this from random posts on google, and it turns out to be false, you are still liable."

"The internet... Where any fool can write a column."

I don't mind one bit if you disagree about what I have to say, but saying I've committed defamation and libel, and attacking my character? These are pretty serious things to allege on me.

It seems some people need a lesson on what defamation is. Defamation and libel are never opinion related. You'll notice that my article is headed as an opinion piece.

Defamation and Libel are false statements presented as fact with malicious intent. Nothing in any article I have ever written has ever fallen under these acts of irresponsible journalism.

Saying I have no room to form an opinion on the matter? Last time I checked, this is still America. You have your right to bash me and say ridiculous things in the defense of Rich Rodriguez, just as I have my right to suggest that Rich Rodriguez be fired.

I have never attacked anyone's character on this website, I would only ask that others show the same respect. If you disagree with me, offer intelligent constructive criticism, I welcome it.