U of M

Why I care about this, I don't know. But I do, a little, a very little.

The U of M football "scandal," about too much time being required of its football players.... Of course, I believe the coaching staff broke the rules. There are far too many players who said so, with specific evidence. The head coach has hardly been a rock of integrity in other mattes, has he? I think what bothers me, though, are these things.

First, the lame excuse that "everybody does it," that is, "cheats" or "breaks the rules" is far too common. That's not a defense. Why don't we all run red lights?

Second, the big win over the MAC powerhouse, WMU, glosses over the alleged infractions, doesn't it? The U of M faithful will overlook anything if they can get a winner again, right? That's a pretty impressive stance.

Third, this is at the school which was supposed above all this, could win without cheating (let's overlook basketball for now). It is "the Harvard of the West," the coach's and players' use of "ain't," double negatives, etc. notwithstanding. Amid the arrogant, "holier-than-thou" attitudes of the U of M fans/alumni, this just plain stinks.

Fourth, for those arrogant, "holier-than-thou" alums, where is the outrage at all this? Oh, I forgot--see #2.

Fifth, the U of M athletic director was astounded that so many other schools supported the coach and U of M. Well, of course they did! They "cheat" and "break the rules," too. They could be next!

I think my favorite part of all this was the two football broadcasters on the tube yesterday. (Yes, I watched a part of the game.) They were talking about this, giving all the malarkey I noted above and more. Then one of them mention something like, "We have to remember these are 'student-athletes.'" He had trouble, I think, spitting out the words (for obvious reasons). And then the camera went to the booth and the shot was perfect. Right at the metion of "student-athletes," they both had these shit-eatin' grins on their faces. It was just perfect.

That's all....