Big Ten Endzone

Update: Michigan agrees to pay $2.5 million of the $4 million that Rodriguez owes WVU

According to the Associated Press and other sources, Rich Rodriguez is ending the public battle between him and West Virginia University (and really the whole state of West Virginia).  The case was set to go to trial this fall, something that would clearly be a distraction to a Michigan team that is already filled with distractions.

RichRod has not been welcomed to the Big Ten, so to speak.  An article in ESPN Magazine by Bruce Feldman shows that he may or may not be the best fit for Michigan, all the while portraying him as the sleezebag of the Big Ten.  I don’t want to alienate our Michigan readers, but he is clearly walking on thin ice with other coaches by recruiting players that have already committed to other Big Ten schools.  In Feldman’s article, Jim Tressel was quoted being asked “Should there be a gentleman’s agreement between the Big Ten coaches?” to which Tress replied, “I guess only between the gentlemen.” 

This cleans up Rodriguez’s act a little, but if he doesn’t win right away, a lot of Wolverine alumni will be asking questions.