Ann English

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 7:02 p.m.

Reminds me of what Tom Izzo did for a Spartan hockey player a few years ago, who was facing some adversity and had no one better to turn to for help and advice than his school's basketball coach. A reputation for humanitarianism can spread around a campus, outside the department of one coach. RR's humanitarian history here could follow and influence his future positions and new associations.

DonAZ

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 4:07 p.m.

I'm a "hater" I guess. Why, just this morning I kicked a puppy for no good reason. Dr. Phil! Where are you when I need you?

Cash

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 1 p.m.

What in this article says Rich Rod was a good football coach? Can you believe there are people in Ann Arbor who don't CARE about football but we care about this young man? There are multiple articles on the site about football and multiple articles about firing RichRod and a new coach etc....ad nauseum. This website is not an sports news venue. This website is a local news/blog site and as such had done articles about this young man in the past. Many of us in Ann Arbor have wondered how he is doing and have been cheering for HIM. There are readers here who don't give two hoots about sports or football. But we care about this young man and his family. You don't have to be OPRAH to care about kids and cheer for one who can't walk and is fighting to do so. We are a community beyond the reaches of football. We can and do care about a young man who is fighting to walk again. Get into this young man's head and think how HE feels. This isn't about football, it's about a kid who is losing a guy he admires. You should be able to comprehend this. A boy who couldn't walk was encouraged to walk by a man and now he will miss him and feels bad for him. I can't believe people keep posting about a football game. This is about the game of LIFE. Obsessive disorder runs rampant apparently.

15crown00

Fri, Jan 7, 2011 : 12:48 p.m.

not quite looking at it objectively but that's ok i guess. CEO'S are suppose to make money for whoever they work for or they get fired.That's pretty SIMPLE. A coaches job particularly at a place like Michigan is to Win. If you don't u get fired.That's pretty SIMPLE. END of STORY

Craigslist

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 10:46 p.m.

FRAUD

magnumpi

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 10:27 p.m.

Preach it, Don AZ. totally correct.

DonAZ

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 9:24 p.m.

Sheesh. I didn't realize Oprah Winfrey was in control of this site and Michigan Football. Grow up... it's a frickin' business, and the business is winning enough football games to maintain revenue. Note that I did not say win every game. Note that I did not say win the National Championship. That'd be nice, but is not really a requirement to maintain the Michigan image and the attendant revenue streams. What is needed is to maintain a tradition of winning such that the Big 10 championship is within reach ever year, and a bowl win is also within reach. Posting the worst record in Michigan history in a coaches first year is a way to put people on edge. Following that up in the next season with an utter collapse in the second half of the season reinforces the perception of the wrong direction. Following that up with another late-season collapse, a one-dimensional offense, an inept defense, and absolutely shoddy special teams play and you get... what? You get fired is what you get. I don't give a damn how "nice" Rodriguez is, or how much "heart" he has. If I took that argument into my annual appraisals they'd frickin' laugh me out of the office. That would be after they fired me. Results... that's the name of the game. In coaching... in any real (read = non-government) job. Rodriguez failed to produce results. He showed no prospect of securing results. Do you want to know why Brandon might worry about results? This -- every single sport at Michigan is a money loser except football and, marginally, basketball. Football subsidizes all the others. It's a fact. Look it up. If the football revenue engine sputters, the Michigan athletic department is in serious trouble. So get real... Brandon had to fire Rodriguez to send a message that the football program had to be top-tier in the Big 10. It had become a joke of the Big 10, feared only by... who?... Purdue? Indiana?

1st Down

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 8:29 p.m.

Brock is a great story, a story of faith, never giving up. Rich Rod however, was fired because his teams played poorly on the field...and there were too many bad things happening off the field as well.

Cash

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 7:59 p.m.

You go up to Michigan, and we hate to come home, because you dont get all that love, Brock's mother, Shelly Mealer told AnnArbor.com last year. ______________ I wonder what she thinks about Ann Arbor Michigan people when she reads some of the comments here tonight. Mrs Mealer, you should be very proud of your son. We teach our children to be appreciative of those who help them along the way. Your son has shown that appreciation in this article. Congratulations on raising a great young man with a lot of class. I can imagine if that was my son, how much it would mean for someone to encourage him in that way. You never forget the people who take time for your kids, especially when you have watched that child suffer so much. Best of luck to you and to your sons, A mom and grandma in Michigan

PortageLkBlu

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 7:02 p.m.

Good for you citizen, I'm always respectful of another Vet in fact I'm always respectful of anyone that I believe tries to do a good job and it's my opinion which I have a right to that RR tried to do a good job. He did not get the job done and now we move forward and support DB and hope we get a good coach that we can all support. Citizen, thank you for your service to our country.

a2citizen

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 6:53 p.m.

Actually, I did....which is why I get a kick out of Audie Murphy impressionists

PortageLkBlu

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 6:48 p.m.

A2 citizen yes there are folks in the Air Force that have to dig fox holes depends on what your m.o.s. is. Did you serve your country?

paperstreetsoap

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 6:43 p.m.

Let's just say that he tried to 'raise me up' at Laurel Manor. I really don't care if you believe me or not rushy, enough said. Point is rr didn't do anything above and beyond what any other coach here has done for the kids with regards to fundraising or charitable events.

paperstreetsoap

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 6:40 p.m.

Let's just say that he tried to 'raise me up' at Laurel Manor. I really don't care if you believe me or not rushy, enough said. Point is rr didn't do anything above and beyond what any other coach here has done for the kids with regards to fundraising or charitable events.

a2citizen

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 6:34 p.m.

PortageLkBlue said: "... There are some folks here I wouldn't share a foxhole with and I've done that to..." Really? I didn't know they dug foxholes in the air force.

johnnya2

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 5:22 p.m.

So Rich Rod visits brothers of players involved in a car wreck? He did something HE SHOULD DO. I will go back to the Chris Rock saying regarding people in his neighborhood who say " I've never been to jail", or "I take care of my kids". YOU DON'T GET A PRIZE FOR DOING WHAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO DO. By the way, why would anybody need to bring this up? It proves somebody wants to give RR credit for something. Those who do things for the RIGHT reason, do not tell others what they are doing.

johnnya2

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 5:21 p.m.

So Rich Rod visits brothers of players involved in a car wreck? He did something HE SHOULD DO. I will go back to the Chris Rock saying regarding people in his neighborhood who say " I've never been to jail", or "I take care of my kids". YOU DON'T GET A PRIZE FOR DOING WHAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO DO. By the way, why would anybody need to bring this up? It proves somebody wants to give RR credit for something. Those who do things for the RIGHT reason, do not tell others what they are doing.

Cash

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 5:14 p.m.

This article is about a young person who was seriously injured and a man went out of his way to help him. This is not about a game. This is about a young person's life. Give the kid respect for wanting to thank the man.

The Ben

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 4:35 p.m.

@Kellie Carbone and others I'm not sure why everyone is so concerned that a positive story about RichRod will "obscure the issue." Are you worried that Dave Brandon will read this and change his mind? A lot of the negative comments during the last three years were not only about on-field results. There were plenty of people who questioned his character for all three of those years and refer to him as a bum, a cheater, a snake oil salesman, etc. That's why this is a relevant article. People are reflecting on his three years here, both the good and bad. Again... there's no need to fear an article like this, people. He is not coming back. You got your wish. No need to kick him while he's down.

Kellie

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 3:55 p.m.

This is truly an inspiring story but obscures the issue. Rich Rodriguez was not fired because he lacked heart. He could not lead his team to victory.

rushvillerocket

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 3:54 p.m.

paperstreetsoap... tell us all about that....?

PortageLkBlu

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 3:48 p.m.

@Sue Khan, Thank you for what you wrote it does put things in a proper perspective.

paperstreetsoap

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 3:48 p.m.

actually I did.

rushvillerocket

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 3:40 p.m.

paperstreetsoap Bet you've never met the man....

PortageLkBlu

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 3:37 p.m.

Some real interesting comments here. Now that RR is gone I suspect a lot more truths will surface about the man. I never paid attention to the bashers and haters because it almost seemed as if they were having fun rather than anything constructive. I've learned a lot about the character of some folks on this site. There are some folks here I wouldn't share a foxhole with and I've done that to and I know what kind of character that takes. I am proud that I supported RR. Maybe it was his time to go god knows the Win Loss wasn't in his favor, now I will support the next coach. I have my thoughts on what we should look for but whomever I will support him.

paperstreetsoap

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 3:13 p.m.

Richrod is a BUM! It started day one when he threw "his" players under the bus with his not enough talent comments and continued when he told 'y'all to get a life' and now it is over, yippee. On a side note I have been flying my flag since yesterday. First time in two years btw.

Rob Pollard

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 3 p.m.

Ben, I'm glad you wished him good luck but I think you underplay how many alums didn't like him b/c of a perceived lack of Michigan "man-ness" (to use a phrase) even beyond his lack of wins. I was at a house party to watch this year's ND game with about 50 alums, very few of whom I knew (it was also a housewarming party for an old friend who'd just moved back to AA). There were many old-school alums. The disappointment when the offense scored to win the game at the end was palpable and made me ill. Mind you, this was game 2 of his third season, Michigan was now 2-0 with an impressive win over a BCS conf foe and a tight win over a main rival, and these folks verbally and physically shrugged their shoulders b/c they thought w/ more losses, he'd be fired quickly. If you want him fired b/c you think we'll never have a good defense and thus bound to go 7-6 (or something close) next year and beyond, fine. But this was more personal (I'm basing this on cmnts they made, not just their reaction) and I'm glad people like the Mealers give another side to RR than is typically presented. BTW, I think AA.com's coverage of Michigan football is far better than the News or Freep (the latter of which did an official job breaking "news" re the firing). It's stuck to more down-the-middle reporting, which is saying something for an outfit that relies on page clicks.

The Ben

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.

The posters who twisted this story into a negative about either the Ann Arbor News or Rodriguez need to seriously lighten up. Just relax. Try to enjoy life. If you put all of that negative energy into something constructive, you could probably accomplish quite a bit. The fact that you folks already got what you wanted (RichRod out) and are still spewing venom is pretty telling. It's also a bad sign for whoever is coming in next.

Ben

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 2:41 p.m.

@Sue: You aren't hired at a university like Michigan as a coach and not EXPECTED to win. It just doesn't happen. Rich had so many issues BOTH on and off the field. This article is clearly an example where he was more of a success away from football at the University of Michigan. I wish both Mealer and Rodriguez good luck.

Sue

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 2:26 p.m.

thanks for a bright spot in this miserable experience (for the fans) of watching michigan reveal its true colors. win, win, win. well, the record isn't really that impressive, looking at carr and moeller's terms as head coaches. oh well, rich wasn't the proverbial "michigan man," a term i'm so sick of right now. could rich have done some things differently? w/o question. was he stubborn? perhaps, and maybe to his demise. was the program turning around? obviously--but not fast enough for most. coulda, woulda, shoulda. i do, however, have a different opinion of dave brandon, and i, for one, owe him an apology. but i still think one more year could have revealed the real truth of where this program was headed under rich. (i also think special teams and defense needed an overhaul, but it's history now. nothing matters.) we're all in for a long haul of restructuring, revamping, and renewing what is michigan football. i'd personally really like to see more character in everyone--fans, staff, boosters. this hate-mongoring, villifying attitude, pompous, self-important arrrogance that has become the face of this school and program, is extremely, extremely, ugly. it will be hard to get behind our beloved michigan football again any time soon--it's just a sad reality. maybe i'll feel differently in august, and there's certainly no other team i'd ever support as intensely as i have michigan (i married a michigan fan 32 years ago, it came by "osmosis," i guess.)but this whole thing has been as distateful and painful to watch as anything i've seen in college sports. i feel badly for rich and rita and their kids. i hope and pray for them a much brighter future wherever they go. they deserve so, so much better than this.

Cash

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 2:22 p.m.

This is such a wonderful story and I would guess that Mealer has read a lot of the insults here and wanted people to know what Rich Rod had done for him. I can understand that and I think I might feel the same way. You could certainly tell yesterday during the tv interviews with the players how they admired Rich Rod, almost like a father. I give him credit for that and hope he can build on that in his next job. Ann Arbor will move on and Rich Rod will move on. There's nothing wrong with this young man defending Rich Rod's "honor". With what the young man has been through, he has EVERY right to do so. For a few minutes give football, a GAME after all, a rest and give a young man of courage, who wants to give a coach and mentor credit....an opportunity to do so.

BlueGator

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 2:19 p.m.

Kudos to RR for his great work with the Mealers. Didn't he also do quite a bit for the Mott Children's Hospital and for organ donors initiatives (including a big bet he had going with Tressel as to which of the two schools would sign up the most donor commitments)?

heartbreakM

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 2:09 p.m.

Brock Mealer is an inspiration in what can be accomplished. It's to Barwis' and Rodriguez' credit that they helped him achieve his goals and heal. But to state that Bo and RR are both outsiders therefore justifying RR's hire????? Well, Bo had a big time history in the Big Ten (Woody's assistant) and had a built in rivalry with Michigan's biggest rival. Plus he knew Michigan. He kept a few of Bump's assistants, and was clearly an organized football mind who improved teams around him. Though a similarity I guess is like RR, he left his alma mater (though not secretly and undercutting the school as RR did). Like I always say, RR is the anti-Bo. BUt back to point, RR is to be praised big time for his assistance to Mealer and his family. Very admirable.

leaguebus

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 1:55 p.m.

Good luck to Brock, I saw him walking at the UConn game and hope his progress continues. We must remember that Football is entertainment and when a well paid coach loses a job, it should not be a personal thing. Good Luck in the future RR.

HaeJee

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 1:46 p.m.

As an outsider looking in, I find it disappointing how SO many people have strong opinions about a coach who only had 3 years to try and develop a team. I highly doubt many of these people have any TRUE experience in what it take to develop a team. Yet, they celebrate the firing of someone and claim that he deserved it. I know for a fact that no fan truly knows this. I don't know a lot about college football, but I do know that it take more years than 3 to assess someones success. His personal recruits are probably still freshman in college and he is working with someone else's recruits. The comments you make here and every other article only shows the true nature of a U of M fan and it is not looking good. There was a reason they stole this coach from a team he was successful with. Personally, I don't think he failed. I would place the blame on his boss and school for no providing the support he needed to be successful. Any coach considering coming to UofM should be hesitate considering how all the coaches have been treated since Bo. Not very welcoming. I am glad they published this article. Considering how much this coach is being slammed, it is nice to read something positive about his character.

J. Dean

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 1:38 p.m.

BTW, all the best to the Mealer family.

rushvillerocket

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 1:36 p.m.

"when we are all so relieved to see him go"...is PURE speculation, and an incorrect statement. I for one, feel he was shafted in the process. And, I for one, understand there are many human pieces to this event. This is not one single person being fired. This is a family, they have friends, they have special friends, such as Brock, who choose to voice their hands on experience, and their disapproval. There is nothing wrong with that. How interesting that people sit in front of a keyboard and become experts...

BigWolverine13

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 1:07 p.m.

Note that ANN ARBOR.com featured countless negative articles about RR over the last three years. Now that he has been canned, we have seen a number of supportive articles. How much more transparent can this kind of predatory journalism be? I am anticipating the inevitable negativism about DB and the next coach regardless of who he is, and I will dismiss it as irrelevant as most of the articles by these dilettante journalists have been in the past.

The Ben

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 12:57 p.m.

"The issue of his firing is not whether or not Rich Rod was a nice person or a supportive person. The issue was that he wasn't winning." In truth, none of this matters, because he is no longer the coach at Michigan and we're moving on. But I'll take the bait. A lot of negative comments about RichRod on message boards and from fans was that he was a cheater, a snake oil salesmen, unethical, blah blah blah. I heard this stuff almost as much as the complaints about what happened on the field. I think David Brandon was above all of that garbage, knew better, and made the decision based on terrible results. But a LOT of fans have been attacking his character for three years.

D21

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 12:50 p.m.

I know RR is a good guy in other ways like in this Mealer instance (which is incredible) but his body of work tells otherwise notwithstanding the overall W-L record. May RR get more blessings elsewhere and with his family. Am excited to see who the new coach will be. GO BLUE! Brock, stay strong!

Rob Pollard

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 12:40 p.m.

J Dean, I think you're missing the larger point. If you the comments on these boards (which, granted, are not necc. representative of the pop. at large), RR was a hick who was a cheating jerk and also couldn't win enough. Rarely would I see, "RR is a nice guy, but..." or "RR is a good man, but..." This is simply one story that helps balance the scales a bit and remind folks he is (at least to people who have actually spent time with him) a good guy.

D21

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 12:34 p.m.

I know RR is a good guy in other ways like in this Mealer instance (which is incredible) but his body of work tells otherwise notwithstanding the overall W-L record. May RR get more blessings elsewhere and with his family. Am excited to see who the new coach will be. GO BLUE! Brock, stay strong!

aklion

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 12:33 p.m.

J. Dean. You are correct in saying that the bottom line is what led to RR's demise. Yet the thing is that based on Mealer's comments, and those of Brandon in an article posted earlier today, it's apparent that RR never received the kind of support that MIGHT have made a difference with regard to that. Just my opinion, but for that reason I think what happened brings real shame to the University. And, although a M fan for the past fifty years I have to say I wouldn't mind seeing the next coach fall flat on his face as a way of RR gaining a little respect for the job he did.

Sam

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 12:08 p.m.

That is two "Michigan Men" (Miles, Harbaugh) who turned down the coaching job!! LMAO. I wish all RR recruits transfer to Ohio State and RR gets a job on another Big 10 team and kicks Michigan butt for the next 10-15 years.

ArthGuinness

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 11:43 a.m.

I think he may have a point that some people never gave RichRod a chance; there were plenty of fans bad-mouthing even before he set foot in Ann Arbor. For the rest of us, though, we did give him a chance and it didn't work out. Let's all try to at least try give the next coach a chance.

Craig Lounsbury

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 11:40 a.m.

No disagreement with the 1st two posts.

RudeJude

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 11:38 a.m.

Mealer's story is miraculous and Rodriguez clearly was influential and inspirational to Mealer's recovery. I don't doubt Rodriguez is a good human being, as Mealer's story is proof of that. Good people can make mistakes, intentionally or deliberately by breaking rules. What coach who runs his team's name through the mud is not villified? Per Rodriguez's own words from the now-infamous football bust, he is a big boy and he understands this is big boy football. He'll be fine. He's being paid millions and he will find a program that he will lead to success. I wish it would have been Michigan, but anyone who leads the program into trouble with the NCAA deserves the pink slip, good guy or not. Good luck to Rodriguez and hoping Mealer fully recovers. Go Blue

Ben

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 11:38 a.m.

The ill timing of this article is an emotional play by Rich Rod supporters. Maybe Rich should become a televangelist. I mean, he's making the hurt walk again, he has clearly seduced a large group of followers... The man's most of the way there!

michboy40

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 11:35 a.m.

Dean and PHXblue, Why don't you just give Rich credit for doing something that not all coach's would have done?!

RudeJude

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 11:31 a.m.

Mealer's story is miraculous and Rodriguez clearly was influential and inspirational to Mealer's recovery. I don't doubt Rodriguez is a good human being, as Mealer's story is proof of that. Good people can make mistakes, intentionally or deliberately by breaking rules. What coach who runs his team's name through the mud is not villified? Per Rodriguez's own words from the now-infamu

Papabear151

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 11:25 a.m.

Mealer should be proud of himself and what he was able to accomplish and I doubt any fan disrespects the support RR gave Mealer during his struggles. Whether RR truly was a snake-oil-peddling salesman or just a good guy that got in over his head, well its all inconsequential now. That's not what any of this is about, this is about winning. It doesn't matter how prolific your integrity is, how great your GPA's are, or how true your committment is... you MUST win ball games. It's time for everyone to move on. This is an era in the past and one that Michigan needs to distance itself from very quickly in order to reestablish itself as one of the leaders of the B10 and Nation in college football. I like to think the best of people and with that I'll think the best of RR. I wish him the best of luck wherever his endeavors take him in life, and if that's coaching, I still wish him nothing but success. It's unfortunate that things didn't work out, but as we've done before and will no doubt do again, it's time to move on from Michigan's past and embrace the future.

PHXblue

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 11:13 a.m.

The Mealer Miracle is close to all of our hearts and has been since we learned of it earlier this year... I am just not sure this is the time and place for the particular article.... I cant think of the right word, but I will just say it seems cheesy to try and tug at our heartstrings in support of the great man Rich Rodriguez when we are all so relieved to see him go. No disrespect to the Mealer family.

J. Dean

Thu, Jan 6, 2011 : 11:02 a.m.

The issue of his firing is not whether or not Rich Rod was a nice person or a supportive person. The issue was that he wasn't winning. I'm glad that Brock has such respect for the man. I'm sure that Rich Rod is a real humanitarian, and I'm sure that he was an encouragement to Brock, but that's not the issue. You can be the most charitable person in the world and still lose your job.