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Posted on Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:34 p.m.

NCAA says Rich Rodriguez failed to monitor staff at West Virginia

By Jim Knight

The NCAA says former Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez's failure to monitor his graduate assistants and non-coaching staff members at West Virginia led to violations.

Thumbnail image for Rich-Rodriguez-032410.jpg

Rich Rodriguez was not penalized, but was cited by the NCAA for failure to monitor compliance in regards to his staff at West Virginia.

Rodriguez — and former West Virginia coach Bill Stewart — were both charged with a failure to monitor by the NCAA. "Both former head coaches acknowledged they failed to adequately monitor the duties and activities of the coaching staff and noncoaching sport-specific staff members," the NCAA said in a statement released Friday.

CBSSports.com reported that the NCAA sent a letter to Rodriguez that stated, "Although the committee did not impose sanctions upon you, your involvement in these violations will be available for review by any member institution."

Rodriguez, who was fired from Michigan on Jan. 5 after three seasons that included an NCAA investigation for similar violations, coached at West Virginia from 2001-2007. Stewart replaced Rodriguez when he left to replace Lloyd Carr at Michigan.

The NCAA's final report into West Virginia's football program accepted the university's self-imposed sanctions of a two-year probation and a reduction of three scholarships.

"I am pleased that the Committee accepted the self-imposed penalties the University proposed, without imposing any additional ones," West Virginia University director of athletics Oliver Luck said in a statement. "The University has already taken corrective action and put new systems in place to address all the issues raised."

Rodriguez will work as a college football game and studio analyst this season for CBS Sports.

Comments

wolfman

Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 3:41 a.m.

My brother who lives in WV said him among others where happy to see him go

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Sun, Jul 10, 2011 : 9:18 a.m.

So the WCiMFH is responsible for putting two FBS football programs on probation within the space of 8 months? Quite a trick, that. Good Night and Good Luck

Blu n Tpa

Mon, Jul 11, 2011 : 3:44 p.m.

LS Coach Carr is being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. I have to go with "the Ghost" on this, by far. There is not one metric that would put the WCiMFH ahead of Coach Carr as far as being a successful HC at Michigan. "and as of saturday the vest only beat RR..", EVERY TIME he played him by an average of 3 touchdowns. I really doubt that any true Michigan fan can call themselves that if they can't acknowledge Coach Carr's contribution to the University of Michigan during the last 30 years. TiM Go Blue!

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Mon, Jul 11, 2011 : 12:56 a.m.

Dearest Sweetheart Lorraine: Lloyd Carr ran a clean program that won a national championship, numerous Big Ten Championships, never had a losing season, and, in 13 seasons, AVERAGED 9.4 wins per season. The object of your man crush, however, led the U's football program to its first ever investigation and probation, never finished higher than 7th in the Big Ten, had the two worst defenses (2009 and 2010) in the program's history, and averaged 5 wins per year. That you continue to slam Coach Carr (oftentimes jes makin' it up, e.g., Bo's rising from the dead) in defense of the WCiMFH tells true Michigan fans and alums much. Good Night and Good Luck

Lorain Steelmen

Sun, Jul 10, 2011 : 9:39 p.m.

ERM.......WCiMFH...hmmm, that would have to be LLLLLLoyd Carr! Carr is a 'state hero' here in Ohio, as Buckeye Nation constantly reminds we Michigan fans. Tressel is 6-1 versus Lllllloyd. (And as of saturday, 'the vest' only beat RR twice.) Your obsession and your hatred continues. But since you are obviously NOT a Michigan fan, I guess it really doesn't matter......to anyone here. As well as your inablity to grasp reality.

mun

Sun, Jul 10, 2011 : 1:02 a.m.

Lemme guess: It was Don Nehlen's fault, just like it was Lloyd Carr's fault.

BigWolverine13

Sun, Jul 10, 2011 : 12:17 a.m.

I believe these comments about President Coleman are unreasonable. There is some point where delegation of responsibility is appropriate and final. Coleman is not a football franchise owner. Martin was solely responsible for choosing RR. Coleman is running one of the largest educational institutions in the world and should not be involved in picking a football coach any more than a soccer coach. Should we also blame the Board of Regents? The State Governor? The legislature? The voters?

Sallyxyz

Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 11:06 p.m.

RR never should have been hired with this kind of record. Martin and Coleman were grossly remiss in not thoroughly investigating this individual before he was hired.

Lehigh

Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 8:41 p.m.

Well, the good news is that Rodriguez can argue the Tressel defense -- that having to part unwillingly from a fine Big 10 institution is punishment enough for anyone.

BigWolverine13

Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 5:29 p.m.

Interesting coincidence: Bill Martin trashed the football program and Ed Martin trashed the basketball program. Brothers in spirit!

Tru2Blu76

Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 2:20 p.m.

Lets force U of M to retroactively fire Bill Martin! He's the one who pulled off a grand display of detached incompetence and got away with a "thank you!" Word has it that Clemson has told RR they'll have a job waiting for him when he's finished his "sabbatical" from bad coaching. So, if we can get Clemson games here, we may yet be able to squeeze some laughs out of the Rich Rod Affair. A big Thank You to AnnArbor.com for continuing to follow RR. The fact that RR is now irrelevant here isn't reason to complain about these stories: it's a reason TO REJOICE.

Boston20

Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 1:52 p.m.

I am perplexed by the comments of many that they place the blame on the coaches. Yes, the coaches know they are in violation, but they are paid to win and will always push the limits. Remember that NCAA football is a money maker for major universities and the administration simply turns their heads when the team is in violation, whether it is practicing too much or providing the players with illegal benefits. While we can say that some violations are worse then others, they are still violations that the "compliance office" knows about, but elects not to worry about until they get caught. Then they blame the former coach or player. There is a history of this at Michigan and everywhere throughout the country. Regarding the due dilligence of MSC & BM, let's not forget the debacle with Les Miles, which forced them to find a coach quickly after Les dedided to stay at LSU. In the end, I think both MSC & BM regret the hiring of RR, but it was the best option at the time. Unfortunately, times are different from the days of Bo & Woody when they were more ethical. Name a top 20 team that where you can say the team is completely compliant. I doubt you will find one. Even a perceived program like Boise State is now being investigated. These are the times we now live in, where we want victories on the football field and are willing to pay millions to the coach that can deliver victories regardless of how he accomplishes it. If RR would have won, I suspect his bashing would not be as plentiful.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Sun, Jul 10, 2011 : 9:15 a.m.

Lorraine wrote: "Lloyd should have been canned after the 2001 season! (Perhaps earlier!)" Take this *opinion* with a 55 lb bag of salt. After all, Lorraine: 1) thought that, after three disastrous years, the WCiMFH was successful and ought continue, and . . . 2) believes that Bo rose from the grave in the fall of 2007 to recommend that Bill Martin hire the soon-to-be WCiMFH. Good Night and Good Luck

missionbrazil

Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 11:09 p.m.

"Name a top 20 team that where you can say the team is completely compliant. I doubt you will find one." LC's teams finished in the Top 20, if not the Top 10, in vitually every season he coached, and in every one of those seasons we were compliant.

heartbreakM

Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 10:02 p.m.

Lorraine: I don't even know what you are talking about. This discussion revolves around the type of person we want as coach and the type of person that the former coach turns out to be. The WVU findings are as big an indictment on that as anything Michigan found. Additionally, if you want to argue record, I think you are opening a tired but very big argument in favor of LC and the Bo lineage (which I know you are not trying to do). But I'll end this reply with "0-9" and "0-1" (big 3 and bowl record).

Lorain Steelmen

Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 5:55 p.m.

to HeartbreakM...Lloyd Carr LOST 6 of his last 7 osu games, and, 4 of his last 5 bowl games! Lloyd should have been canned after the 2001 season! (Perhaps earlier!) Further, his personal behavior in talking a returning starting QB, into leaving the program, and in general, undermining his replacement was disgusting! Finally, Brady Hoke was hired as an assisitant by Gary Moeller, NOT by Carr.

heartbreakM

Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 2:40 p.m.

panic is the word here. It was a total panic hire. But I do remember feeling nervous why nobody seemed to want that job. The point made above that I disagree with, though, about winning at all costs is the wrong message to send to alumni, players, coaches. There must be an institution who says, "enough is enough....win but do it the right way". I think that's what a lot of Michigan alumni want (I sure do), and that is why we love Bo, LC, and even Beilein. That's why Frieder, though he was a "Michigan man", was always looked at funny, and that's why Fisher will never be accepted fully. Was the former coach doing that? It doesn't look like it. And excuse making only worsens it.

riverraisin

Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 2:12 p.m.

"In the end, I think both MSC & BM regret the hiring of RR, but it was the best option at the time." I have to disagree with that statement. I thought at the time that BM should have promoted Ron English to interim head coach for the upcoming season. Then continued the search for a top candidate. I can almost guarentee you that Les Miles would have left LSU at that point. Instead, Martin put pressure on LM to make a decision prior to the NC game. When BM didn't get the man he wanted, he panicked and grabbed the next best available but certainly not a good fit for Michigan.

Elaine F. Owsley

Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 11:35 a.m.

So we could only win against Ohio State if the other coach was a worse watch-dog than RRod? That's really sad.

ChelseaBob

Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 11:24 a.m.

Has anybody heard anything more about his real estate lawsuits? Those were from his asst coach days at Clemson, I believe. He partnered with a banned booster. I wonder if he'll smear Clemson too? Why does ESPN want this guy?

A2lover

Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 10:43 a.m.

President Coleman and AD, Martin should be totally embarrassed that they hired Rich Rod, every step he takes, every move he makes is riddled with incompetence, chicanery and fabrication. They waited too long to get rid of him from the U of M, and that has had serious consequences for the team - 4 lost years, generously provided by the charlatan, Rich Rod. Colemen. Martin and even Brandon have nothing to be proud of.

heartbreakM

Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 2:36 p.m.

Funny thing, though: President Coleman has not faced any public scrutiny over this debacle. You would think..... Thank goodness it's over.

Terry Star21

Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 3:09 a.m.

Thanks for the reminder it's great time to be a Wolverine. I sure wouldn't want to be the coach we had last year or a fan from the school down south. Two things are certain though, we will never stop hearing about either. 56 days until the Greatest Show on Earth begins in The Big House..... MgoBlueForTiM !!!!!

a2phiggy

Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 1:28 a.m.

I pray the individuals at NCAA are never in charge of anything in need of more timely analysis...seems they are close cousins of FEMA. 4 years later? Really?

umgoblue47

Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 12:15 a.m.

can we all please move on? we have the number 2 and possibly number 1 recruiting class in the country! it's great to be a michigan wolverine! GO BLUE!

missionbrazil

Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 10:46 p.m.

tbf ... you have really entered the spin zone with that comment. I'm with Blu n Tpa ... this shows that whatshisname is a serial offender/cheater, and even at that he could only produce a 6-18* BT record (* is for the 2010 loss/spanking* to OSU).

Blu n Tpa

Sun, Jul 10, 2011 : 6:38 p.m.

tbf That's all nice and your over-riding loyalty to one person over the the TEAM seems to know no limit. I disagree with the accessment of what MOST fans wanted, since it is a bit self-serving to your point ot view. Although you are accurate that "he didn't win enough", there is more than one reason for that results. A HC has to be able to get the best coaches he can and he refused to do that. The neglect of the defense and not having a special teams coach demostrated this for years. In the end it's over and someday soon I hope you focus on the TEAM and not one person. I think MOST readers here would agree with that. TiM Go Blue!

truebluefan

Sun, Jul 10, 2011 : 3:57 p.m.

And I will add he tried to change the face of the Michigan football program that appeared to be in a stagnant, possibly declining mode. That's what MOST fans wanted at the time (you are in the extreme minority if you didn't accept the hiring of RR). He didn't win enough quickly enough so many fans turned their back on him. The man wanted to be at Michigan and wanted to win badly. Unlike many around here, I don't hate someone for trying their best and failing. I wish them the best in their future endeavors. I will always be a fan of Rich Rodriguez.

truebluefan

Sun, Jul 10, 2011 : 3:51 p.m.

Let's not forget that the "man crafted in the Michigan tradition of grace, honor and integrity" presided over a football program that was placed on NCAA probation during his tenure. So can we stop dreaming about rainbows and unicorns around here? Rich Rodriguez isn't evil or malicious. He didn't commit academic fraud. He didn't watch his players get paid or obtain free tattoos for autographed shoulder pads. He recruited kids of character and integrity and tried his best to win at Michigan. He just didn't win enough mainly because he didn't know how to pick a defensive coordinator. One of these days Murrow, mission and the rest of them will understand.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Sun, Jul 10, 2011 : 9:25 a.m.

If you truly believe he did not knowingly violate the rules, then you are admitting that the WCiMFH--our $2.5 million man--is incompetent--that he could not do what the job required of him. But, then, we knew that, didn't we? Good Night and Good Luck

DonAZ

Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 3:26 a.m.

I'm with truebluefan here ... it's not really clear if the violation was "with malice of intent" or just based on ignorance. I have no doubt the NCAA rules are a convoluted mess. I'm not sure any school is abiding by them 100% of the time. Still, that said ... it strikes me that Rodriguez had intentions other than abiding by the spirit of the law. He strikes me as the kind of coach who seeks glory first for himself, then for others. And that kind of person is willing to s-t-r-e-t-c-h things to achieve that objective. Whatever. We are rid of that. We now have Hoke. And all indications are he is a man crafted in the Michigan tradition of grace, honor and integrity.

truebluefan

Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 1:41 a.m.

Did he knowingly violate the rules or did he misunderstand the rules? We'll never know. If Rich Rod was a knowing violator, then so was Bill Stewart. Oliver Luck is in the same boat. Same with Bill Martin. Same with the Maryland coach. Kirk Herbstreit stated that many schools would likely be in violation. But, whatever, I expected this type of response from the RR-hater crowd.

Mick

Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 10:21 p.m.

Same old story with this guy, he leaves a trail of incompetence and goes away whining and never taking responsibility. Good riddance to him, no one should be surprised by this. Indeed, Coleman and Martin should have done a better job of seeking a coach back in 2007. Like I said before, I knew halfway through the 1st season that it wasn't going to work. The hope of Hoke is upon us, TiM Go Blue!!!

cutty240

Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 10:15 p.m.

Rich was at Michigan when Ohio State had to forfit the Game.I love it.

Charlie Brown's Ghost

Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 1:50 a.m.

It wasn't forfeited, just "vacated." That is, it's as though the game never happened.

trespass

Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 10:05 p.m.

But if you look at the Darryl Stonum case, you will see mandatory 4 AM workouts every day as part of his punishment. Violation #2 in last years major NCAA infractions said they were guilty of using summer conditioning work outs as discipline. There is a NCAA rule against that. There is a danger to "old school" thinking by coaches. What once was acceptable is not any more. Be careful Coach Hoke!

Blu n Tpa

Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 10:02 p.m.

tbf You have got to be related to this guy someway. Really? He did it wrong at WV but wasn't caught until after he was at Michigan. So he is a serial offender who wasn't nabbed in time. Do you blame the police for not stopping criminals or the criminals for not stopping?

Parrhesia

Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 9:39 p.m.

Who?

truebluefan

Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 9:39 p.m.

Don't you think it would be more damning for Rodriguez had his program followed the practice rules at WVU, then failed to follow them at Michigan? In other words, it can be implied that he *clearly* understood the rules if his program was clean at WVU.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Sun, Jul 10, 2011 : 9:22 a.m.

The guy was being paid $2.5 million per year to run the UM football program. It was his job to know and to follow the rules. But let's take your presumption: he didn't know the rules. Fine. Then he was incompetent. But we knew that, didn't we? Good Night and Good Luck

D21

Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 9:16 p.m.

Failed? Maybe he failed to get away with it as he felt he would be successful in being lax in first place. HOKE IS IT! GO BLUE! REDEMPTION IS UPON US...RR FIRED...TRESSEL & OSU DISGRACED...UM 2011 SEASON TO BE A RESOUNDING SUCCESSFUL ONE!

BornInA2

Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 9 p.m.

What a coincidence that the former coach had the same type of inept compliance department supporting him at WVU. I mean, it had to be the fault of someone or something other than him, just like all his failures. So very, very glad to be rid of this person.

GettingBluer

Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 12:43 a.m.

Clearly, it was Lloyd Carr's fault at BOTH institutions. Happy Theo, Tater, and Loraine?

johnnya2

Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 9:07 p.m.

Don't you know it must have been the previous coaches fault, the dog ate his home work, the check is in the mail. The man is a pathological whiner and cheater. Whether he cheats or not is not even open for debate. He admits to it. Any school that hires this clown deserves anything that happens.

BigWolverine13

Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 8:40 p.m.

This guy was bad news! We should all applaud DB for having gotten rid of RR and avoiding an inevitable greater disaster at Michigan.

WWBoDo

Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 8:29 p.m.

Don't blame RRod, we didn't have to hire him. A little Due Diligence by MSC and BM would have seemed to have been in order when you are bringing someone like this on for millions upon millions. Glad its behind us!

RWBill

Sun, Jul 10, 2011 : 12:41 a.m.

Don't blame Rod for Rod failing to control Rod's program?

Chad Williams

Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 11:33 p.m.

Totally agree, the university has taken no blame for any of RRs troubles, they made it seem like rich rod hired us for him to coach. If we all knew it worked the other way around then we wouldnt be talking about him. If he was a success u of m would take all the credit. PHONY faculty and FANS is why we had to hoke and not harbaugh.

Nic schweigert

Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 11:25 p.m.

Don't blame richrod? R u kidding? It just said they both admitted to not taking care of business. Guess we shouldn't blame tressel for the cover up in o-lie-o state either huh? The ad there should have done his due diligence and it would never have happened right? Quite trying to make them sound like their innocent. What's his name didn't do that just at wvu, he did it at Michigan too. Go hoke and go big blue