Once upon a time, the University of Michigan was one of the storied programs in the country. Not only were they winning on the field, they were winning in the classroom and upheld a clean image with the NCAA.

 

That was then, this is now. The NCAA has accused Michigan of potentially five major rules violations. This could be just what the doctor ordered in a state that is struggling financially.

 

Incoming athletic director David Brandon is saying all of the right things about Rodriquez and his job status. He doesn't want to be the man to cost the state the $10 million that's left on Rodriquez's contract.

 

"Rich-Rod" has a clause in his contract that states his contract can be voided if he is in violation of NCAA rules. So, what the governing body finds out could be the real determining factor in Rodriquez's future, not what Brandon has to say publicly.

 

Violations aside, Rich Rodriquez has not been a success in Ann Arbor. The Wolverine faithful aren't happy with 8-16 record either. Maybe the best thing for the program is for the NCAA to find "something" major in this probe. Brandon, who was not part of the department at the time, can be the righteous one here and save the program from falling too far. In the meantime, Michigan can wash their hands with a bad idea of hiring the wrong guy.

 

Rob Long