Who's No. 1 at Michigan? Not Braylon's choice

Braylon miffed at Rodriguez:
 
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080507/SPORTS0201/805070365/1131
 
#1 jersey to JT Floyd, a freshman defensive back?  Hmmm...

"I don't want our team to expect to win. I want our team to deserve to win."

Rich Rodriguez

i want Greg Mathews to get it.

The reason Chuck Norris recently lost his beard is because Mike Barwis tore it off

Looks like RR and staff didn't do their homework.  It doesn't seem like AC or Braylon are going to be cool with that choice.

If I was Braylon or AC I would not be cool with it either.  They have endowed a scholarship for what is considered a tradition and a reward.  If there was not a scholarship involved with it, I don't think it would be that big of a deal.

Wow, what a mistake.  This is the kind of stuff that RR needs to avoid doing.
 
#1 was here before RR and will be here after he leaves.

Phil Callihan
Editor-in-Chief
UMGoBlue.COM

Hey, guys, relax.  I'm sure RichRod will correct the snafu.  I'm sure he and his staff have had a lot more important things to do other than who gets what number. 

Since it's stipulated in BE's and AC's endowments, I'm sure the number will be changed.

  
  "Do you know the difference between a Hockey Mom and a pit bull?  Lipstick."

Maybe we should burn a Buckeye in his yard. That'll teach him.

Those who can do, do; those who can't, go into journalism.

ORIGINAL: egami

Maybe we should burn a Buckeye in his yard. That'll teach him.

Ouch! Watched "All the Right Moves" lately have we j/k

I'll have to side with the ones thinking this was a legit oops and will change the number for the frosh, otherwise Braylon and company can cancel the moola for the scholarship. You know the money hounds at UM will not like that posibility.

ORIGINAL: UMWingedHelmet

Hey, guys, relax.  I'm sure RichRod will correct the snafu.  I'm sure he and his staff have had a lot more important things to do other than who gets what number. 

Since it's stipulated in BE's and AC's endowments, I'm sure the number will be changed.

Exactly.  I'm sure Braylon was quite surprised and that can explain his demeanor, but uh... I think it'll all work out ok, someone will make Rodriguez aware of the scholarship fund and it's intracacies and I think everything will be hunky dory in the near future.

The whole #1 thing is a cool concept, but uh... it is just number (ducks hurtling objects).  It's very cool that we're trying to turn it into a special tradition and it does have some weight behind it thanks to AC, Edwards, and Terrell... and a little bit thanks to Alexander, but there are much bigger things here to be concerned about.  Case in point, the following players have donned the #1:

'94-'96 Tyrone Butterfield
'86-'89 Greg McMurtry
'73-'75 Dave Whiteford (DB/S!)
'76-'78 Dave Willner (KICKER!!)


If you were to ask me my favorite jersey numbers in Maize and Blue list would go something like this:
21, 2, 20...

Anyways, like was mentioned, someone will inform everyone of the scholarship program, etc, and this will work out just fine.

http://theonlygamethatmatters.blogspot.com/

What the mind can conceive, the mind can achieve; and those who stay will be Champions.
GO BLUE!

If you were to ask me my favorite jersey numbers in Maize and Blue list would go something like this:
21, 2, 20...

Right on....same here.

"I don't expect to win enough games to be put on NCAA probation. I just want to win enough to warrant an investigation." -Bob Devaney, Nebraska

Well said scm.  I am of the opinion that there wasn't really an 'official' tradition to begin with.  Sure, there have been several wr's that have donned the #1 jersey over the last couple of decades, but Braylon was really the first to actively pursue wanting to wear it and having to earn it.  As scm noted, for every prominent receiver that has worn the number, you can find an equally number of not so good receivers that have worn the number.  And even a couple that weren't receivers at all...
 
And if there is a scholarship offer on the table, why has the number not been assigned since Braylon's departure?  If this was such an honored tradition, wouldn't one think that guys would be falling over themselves to get the number?  Apparantley Mario was in line to get the number, but he wanted to make a legacy out of the number 86.  It was also rumored that Stonum was going to be given the number, but he too turned it down.  And does Coach Rodriguez really need to consult people about the numbers he is assigning and who he is assigning them to?  Last time I checked, the head coach is ulimately the one making those decisions.  Next thing you know, Desmond Howard will need to give the OK to wear the #21 and Coach Rod will need to seek Charles Woodson's approval before he gives a player the #2. 
 
I really think this is more of a case that Edwards is trying to turn this whole #1 thing into a tradition more than anything.  And if he succeeds, I really don't have a problem with it as long as it doesn't become a distraction and turn the focus more on the individual as opposed to the team.
 
But ultimately, doesn't Coach Rodriguez have enough on his plate than worrying about who is going to be wearing the #1 jersey?

I also agree that Rodriguez will correct this once him and Braylon have that little chat.  I realized that Michigan has more important things and other older traditions to uphold, but I like how this one has been developed.

Wasn't Stonum promised the #1 jersey when Carr was recruiting him?  The only thing Braylon could dispute with this is that the jersey wasn't earned.

In regards to J.T. Floyd, why not wear #2 like other recent defensive studs.  

ORIGINAL: scmgoblue

ORIGINAL: UMWingedHelmet

Hey, guys, relax.  I'm sure RichRod will correct the snafu.  I'm sure he and his staff have had a lot more important things to do other than who gets what number. 

Since it's stipulated in BE's and AC's endowments, I'm sure the number will be changed.

Exactly.  I'm sure Braylon was quite surprised and that can explain his demeanor, but uh... I think it'll all work out ok, someone will make Rodriguez aware of the scholarship fund and it's intracacies and I think everything will be hunky dory in the near future.

The whole #1 thing is a cool concept, but uh... it is just number (ducks hurtling objects).  It's very cool that we're trying to turn it into a special tradition and it does have some weight behind it thanks to AC, Edwards, and Terrell... and a little bit thanks to Alexander, but there are much bigger things here to be concerned about.  Case in point, the following players have donned the #1:

'94-'96 Tyrone Butterfield
'86-'89 Greg McMurtry
'73-'75 Dave Whiteford (DB/S!)
'76-'78 Dave Willner (KICKER!!)


If you were to ask me my favorite jersey numbers in Maize and Blue list would go something like this:
21, 2, 20...

Anyways, like was mentioned, someone will inform everyone of the scholarship program, etc, and this will work out just fine.

I can see both sides of it...

In fairness, the specialty of #1 originated with AC. Yes, Butterfield and McMurty were flops, but I think that the flip side is that this isn't exactly a long time tradition.

I think, however, AC and Edwards would like to make it one.

But yeah...it'll get resolved though I bet.

Those who can do, do; those who can't, go into journalism.

FWIW, Braylon's own foundation says that it goes to the "athlete" not WR and that the jersey is to be selected by the coaching staff.

http://braylonedwardsfoundation.org/home.php?id=1


SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT FOR UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN NO. 1 FOOTBALL JERSEY
The Scholarship Endowment for the University of Michigan's No. 1 football jersey was announced in April 2006. The charitable gift provides support to a student/athlete wearing the No. 1 football jersey. The scholarship endowment will recognize future athletes who demonstrate character and commitment both on and off the field. Athletes wearing the No. 1 jersey are selected by U-M's coaching staff.

How do we even know that this is true? A newspaper article mentioned that "sources" said this was going to happen and we are taking this as fact.

RRod has been pretty smooth in making the transition and I find it hard to believe that he would overlook this. If this is true, it was done intentionally, not by mistake. I'm finding it hard to believe that it is true.

Go Blue!
Jeff

Braylon said on the radio yesterday that #1 was going to a non-Wr freshman and he intended to call Rod.  The sources are about who is actually getting it (Floyd), but Braylon, himself, is definitely under the impression that it's not a WR.

ORIGINAL: M FTHFL

How do we even know that this is true? A newspaper article mentioned that "sources" said this was going to happen and we are taking this as fact.

RRod has been pretty smooth in making the transition and I find it hard to believe that he would overlook this. If this is true, it was done intentially, not by mistake. I'm finding it hard to believe that it is true.

I have a feeling that RR is not going to like the idea of being dictated to by Braylon or anyone else, he's talked about embracing the tradition at Michigan so hopefully this will go smoothly. I think #1 can be a huge tool for both RR and Michigan, in Braylon's case it was a major motivation tool to get him mature and work harder, it can also be a great recruiting tool for future WR's. Its a good tradition in my book and I hope that RR continues it, I also hope RR is smart enough to pick his battles and conceed this tradition.
 
BTW, if you look at some of Mario's comments before last season you get the impression that he did want the #1 jersey but was not awarded it. Based on what we know now that appears to have be a wise choice by Lloyd/Braylon/AC whoever it was that made the call.

"When you coach at Michigan, you walk on water, period. There's a difference."-Don Nehlen

Here we go again with the #1 jersey thing again
I think the whole "who will get/wear the #1 jersey thing is gay lol..... WHO CARES!!!!!
The team, the team, the team!!
 
 
Braylon made a big deal before ( and the ONLY one ever) about it at Michigan and he keeps doing it..
The only jersey numbers that should mean something at Michigan are #98 #21, #2... You know guys that won the Heisman, that stepped it up and beat OSU their senior year, that didnt drop a HUGE pass on 4th down lol 

....... ........

ORIGINAL: Harbaugh04

Braylon made a big deal before ( and the ONLY one ever) about it at Michigan and he keeps doing it..
The only jersey numbers that should mean something at Michigan are #98 #21, #2... You know guys that won the Heisman, that stepped it up and beat OSU their senior year, that didnt drop a HUGE pass on 4th down lol 

Ok, to be fair, I'm in agreeance that many people round these parts make WAY too big a deal of the #1... that said, if I gave a substantial amount of money to finance a scholarship, with one of the stipulations being that the number would be part of the whole setup, then I would likely be upset if the guidelines of that fund weren't followed.  Braylon is allowed to make a big deal out of it because he's funding the thing, and I don't think its bad to try to turn it into a tradition here.  I just get a kick out of it when people act like it's been some real long standing thing when really the #1 had always just signified AC...

http://theonlygamethatmatters.blogspot.com/

What the mind can conceive, the mind can achieve; and those who stay will be Champions.
GO BLUE!

ORIGINAL: Harbaugh04

Here we go again with the #1 jersey thing again
I think the whole "who will get/wear the #1 jersey thing is gay lol..... WHO CARES!!!!!
The team, the team, the team!!


Braylon made a big deal before ( and the ONLY one ever) about it at Michigan and he keeps doing it..
The only jersey numbers that should mean something at Michigan are #98 #21, #2... You know guys that won the Heisman, that stepped it up and beat OSU their senior year, that didnt drop a HUGE pass on 4th down lol 

 
I agree--I could care less who wears the #1.  These retired numbers will always mean more to me than the #1:
 
11-The Wistert Brothers (Francis, Albert and Alvin)
47-Bennie Oosterbaan
48-Gerald Ford
87-Ron Kramer
98-Tom Harmon
 
#21 and #2 were never retired however, I think they should be.

"I don't want our team to expect to win. I want our team to deserve to win."

Rich Rodriguez

ORIGINAL: scmgoblue

ORIGINAL: Harbaugh04

Braylon made a big deal before ( and the ONLY one ever) about it at Michigan and he keeps doing it..
The only jersey numbers that should mean something at Michigan are #98 #21, #2... You know guys that won the Heisman, that stepped it up and beat OSU their senior year, that didnt drop a HUGE pass on 4th down lol 

 if I gave a substantial amount of money to finance a scholarship, with one of the stipulations being that the number would be part of the whole setup, then I would likely be upset if the guidelines of that fund weren't followed.   I just get a kick out of it when people act like it's been some real long standing thing when really the #1 had always just signified AC...

 
Your right scm
But should RR call Braylon every say 3 years and ask him " who should get to wear #1 jersey ?"
And like you said, to me #1 will always be AC... 

....... ........

fire RR!

ORIGINAL: Scott Duncan

ORIGINAL: Harbaugh04

Here we go again with the #1 jersey thing again
I think the whole "who will get/wear the #1 jersey thing is gay lol..... WHO CARES!!!!!
The team, the team, the team!!


Braylon made a big deal before ( and the ONLY one ever) about it at Michigan and he keeps doing it..


The only jersey numbers that should mean something at Michigan are #98 #21, #2... You know guys that won the Heisman, that stepped it up and beat OSU their senior year, that didnt drop a HUGE pass on 4th down lol 

I agree--I could care less who wears the #1.  These retired numbers will always mean more to me than the #1:

11-The Wistert Brothers (Francis, Albert and Alvin)
47-Bennie Oosterbaan
48-Gerald Ford
87-Ron Kramer
98-Tom Harmon

#21 and #2 were never retired however, I think they should be.

I'm sure they will in time when DH and CW could a little "age" on them!!

  
  "Do you know the difference between a Hockey Mom and a pit bull?  Lipstick."

Could not possibly care less about this. It's a jersey number.

ORIGINAL: Harbaugh04
But should RR call Braylon every say 3 years and ask him " who should get to wear #1 jersey ?"
And like you said, to me #1 will always be AC... 

Well, judging from the description of the endowment that ncd posted, the answer should clearly be no. 
 

Athletes wearing the No. 1 jersey are selected by U-M's coaching staff.

 
 
IMO, there really isn't a stipulation as to what position the athlete has to be playing when wearing the No. 1 jersey.  If Braylon doesn't like the fact that Coach Rodriguez isn't singling out the No. 1 jersey for WR's only than maybe he should have worded things differently in the description of his endowment.  In other words, he should have specified Wide Recievers as opposed to Athletes wearing the No. 1 jersey...

Really guys Really...You dont care who wears the #1....?  While I will be the first to admit it does not have the traditon of the winged helmet it does mean something.  The # 1 is for The Guy on O while the # 2 has become the # for The guy on D...Some of the greatest catches in U OF M history have been made while wearing the #1 i.e AC against Indiana, Braylon against Moo u.  That is what I think of when I see the #1.  Sure there have been some duds [butterfield] but when people outside see a UofM wr with that jersey on they think AC, Braylon , and to a lesser extent Alexander.  Lets keep this the way it should be... I am sure if there were post back in the day after 15 to 20 yrs if a coach said ahhh I dont like that wing helmet thing some of these comments might have been made and now look at what it has become...(almost more of a symbol then The Block M) some may say even more of a symbol.  Tradition has to start somewhere and this one has 30 yrs on its side lets keep it going.
 
 

Hail To The Cotton Pickin Maize and Blue!


Bob The Greatest Wolverine Ufer

I'd like to keep it going, but on the other hand... I'd like to let RR focus on the TEAM rather than a number on a jersey.

 

So it's not enough to throw out LC and all the coaches.
 
Let's throw out anything else that makes Michigan special.
 
Let's switch helmets and get alternate jerseys in every color like Oregon.  Let's be like everybody else.
 
Let's dump on Braylon- he only ponied $500,000 for the scholarship.  I wonder what will happen the next time UM goes around and asks former athletes for money?
 
It's one thing to piss off older alums with the Les Miles fiasco, but now UM has torqued off a current NFL player- who plays in Ohio- that should help recruiting in the Buckeye state.
 
So much for the recruiting advantage of dangling the #1 jersey.
 
Of course, RR has better things to worry about- which is exactly why this shouldn't have happened in the first place.
 
 
One of two things happened:
 
1) Someone in the AD warned RR that #1 was a big deal and he ignored it.
 
2) Nobody gave it a second thought.
 
 
 

Phil Callihan
Editor-in-Chief
UMGoBlue.COM

ORIGINAL: Philc

So it's not enough to throw out LC and all the coaches.

Let's throw out anything else that makes Michigan special.

Let's switch helmets and get alternate jerseys in every color like Oregon.  Let's be like everybody else.

Let's dump on Braylon- he only ponied $500,000 for the scholarship.  I wonder what will happen the next time UM goes around and asks former athletes for money?

It's one thing to piss off older alums with the Les Miles fiasco, but now UM has torqued off a current NFL player- who plays in Ohio- that should help recruiting in the Buckeye state.

So much for the recruiting advantage of dangling the #1 jersey.

Of course, RR has better things to worry about- which is exactly why this shouldn't have happened in the first place.


One of two things happened:

1) Someone in the AD warned RR that #1 was a big deal and he ignored it.

2) Nobody gave it a second thought.

That's a ridiculous exaggeration, and is exactly the kind of thing the people that are secretly rooting for Rodriguez to fail are spewing.

Where was Edwards' (and everyone else's) outrage when Lloyd Carr promised the #1 jersey to Darryl Stonum, a freshman? Braylon never stipulated that the #1 jersey should go to a receiver, he stipulated that it shouldn't go to a freshman. So where was the outcry when Stonum was promised it by the last regime?

There was none, because this isn't about the #1 jersey. This is about an "outsider" coming in and doing something different, and people can't handle it. Carr does it with Stonum, nobody blinks an eye. Rod does it with Floyd, and suddenly he's tearing down a Michigan tradition. Why, because Floyd's a DB? Position wasn't a stipulation Edwards talked about. Rodriguez has bent over backwards to assimilate himself into Michigan football all while trying to get the current team together to put a respectable product on the field this fall. All while tirelessly recruiting to bring in the best players he can. All while dealing with tools like Justin Boren crying and whining and switching sides. All through that, he's met with the 1969 team, gone all across the country meeting with Michigan alums, while still having to put up with Desmond Howard bitching that Les Miles didn't get the job (will Desmond still be complaining when the NCAA comes sniffing at LSU's door?). He's gone above and beyond what's required of him, and now people are chopping him down because a number.

If the #1 is so special, take it out of circulation. Until then, lets worry about something more important, like the QB situation or the OL situation. Michigan is still Michigan. The fight song is the same. The jerseys are the same. The helmets are the same. The stadium is the same. The banner is still going to be there when the players run out of the tunnel. Rod's not going to change any of that, and people are still going to stab him in the back over a number?

Oh, and by the way, this is all moot. Does anyone really believe that Braylon Edwards isn't going to meet in person with Rod AND Floyd and fix this? LOL, does Edwards strike anyone as somebody that shrugs and says "aw shucks, oh well" when something happens that displeases him? Please. This "issue", and it's laughable to call it that, will be resolved. Maybe then we'll all start focusing on football again instead of playing Bingo with jersey numbers.

ORIGINAL: EFWolverine

ORIGINAL: Philc

So it's not enough to throw out LC and all the coaches.

Let's throw out anything else that makes Michigan special.

Let's switch helmets and get alternate jerseys in every color like Oregon.  Let's be like everybody else.

Let's dump on Braylon- he only ponied $500,000 for the scholarship.  I wonder what will happen the next time UM goes around and asks former athletes for money?

It's one thing to piss off older alums with the Les Miles fiasco, but now UM has torqued off a current NFL player- who plays in Ohio- that should help recruiting in the Buckeye state.

So much for the recruiting advantage of dangling the #1 jersey.

Of course, RR has better things to worry about- which is exactly why this shouldn't have happened in the first place.


One of two things happened:

1) Someone in the AD warned RR that #1 was a big deal and he ignored it.

2) Nobody gave it a second thought.

That's a ridiculous exaggeration, and is exactly the kind of thing the people that are secretly rooting for Rodriguez to fail are spewing.

Where was Edwards' (and everyone else's) outrage when Lloyd Carr promised the #1 jersey to Darryl Stonum, a freshman? Braylon never stipulated that the #1 jersey should go to a receiver, he stipulated that it shouldn't go to a freshman. So where was the outcry when Stonum was promised it by the last regime?

There was none, because this isn't about the #1 jersey. This is about an "outsider" coming in and doing something different, and people can't handle it. Carr does it with Stonum, nobody blinks an eye. Rod does it with Floyd, and suddenly he's tearing down a Michigan tradition. Why, because Floyd's a DB? Position wasn't a stipulation Edwards talked about. Rodriguez has bent over backwards to assimilate himself into Michigan football all while trying to get the current team together to put a respectable product on the field this fall. All while tirelessly recruiting to bring in the best players he can. All while dealing with tools like Justin Boren crying and whining and switching sides. All through that, he's met with the 1969 team, gone all across the country meeting with Michigan alums, while still having to put up with Desmond Howard bitching that Les Miles didn't get the job (will Desmond still be complaining when the NCAA comes sniffing at LSU's door?). He's gone above and beyond what's required of him, and now people are chopping him down because a number.

If the #1 is so special, take it out of circulation. Until then, lets worry about something more important, like the QB situation or the OL situation. Michigan is still Michigan. The fight song is the same. The jerseys are the same. The helmets are the same. The stadium is the same. The banner is still going to be there when the players run out of the tunnel. Rod's not going to change any of that, and people are still going to stab him in the back over a number?

Oh, and by the way, this is all moot. Does anyone really believe that Braylon Edwards isn't going to meet in person with Rod AND Floyd and fix this? LOL, does Edwards strike anyone as somebody that shrugs and says "aw shucks, oh well" when something happens that displeases him? Please. This "issue", and it's laughable to call it that, will be resolved. Maybe then we'll all start focusing on football again instead of playing Bingo with jersey numbers.

Thank you for that.  Traditions won't be ruined just because we have a new coach from the 'outside' whom people think doesn't 'Get it.'  This is his first year, give the man time to learn as well as taking on the task of putting together a team from scratch.  Some things are more important than others, if you give me a 12-0 season with a DB wearing #1 vs a 7-5 season with a WR wearing #1, which one would I choose?  hmmmm.  RRod will fix it with the help from Alumni, but I sure hope his focus is on winning rather than a number.

 

ORIGINAL: scmgoblue

The whole #1 thing is a cool concept, but uh... it is just number.

+1

Making a big deal out of who wears a certain # is just another way to promote individual players.  I don't even like names on the back of the jerseys.  One of the reasons why I like college athletics more than pro is that college sports are more about the team than it is the players.  

That's a ridiculous exaggeration, and is exactly the kind of thing the people that are secretly rooting for Rodriguez to fail are spewing.

 
So you're accusing me of rooting for RR to fail?
 

There was none, because this isn't about the #1 jersey. This is about an "outsider" coming in and doing something different, and people can't handle it.

 
Thanks.  I don't need you to lecture me on what MY thoughts are. 
 
I was there when the scholarship was announced.  Go back and listen to the event and tell me it's just another number.
 

Making a big deal out of who wears a certain # is just another way to promote individual players.  I don't even like names on the back of the jerseys.  One of the reasons why I like college athletics more than pro is that college sports are more about the team than it is the players. 

 
Congrats, you're on the same page as the Buckeyes.

Phil Callihan
Editor-in-Chief
UMGoBlue.COM

ORIGINAL: Philc

That's a ridiculous exaggeration, and is exactly the kind of thing the people that are secretly rooting for Rodriguez to fail are spewing.

So you're accusing me of rooting for RR to fail?

There was none, because this isn't about the #1 jersey. This is about an "outsider" coming in and doing something different, and people can't handle it.

Thanks.  I don't need you to lecture me on what MY thoughts are. 

I was there when the scholarship was announced.  Go back and listen to the event and tell me it's just another number.

Making a big deal out of who wears a certain # is just another way to promote individual players.  I don't even like names on the back of the jerseys.  One of the reasons why I like college athletics more than pro is that college sports are more about the team than it is the players. 

Congrats, you're on the same page as the Buckeyes.

you certainly know more about this than i do, but isnt there a chance someone (maybe Edwards) has a talk with RR and he changes his mind about it? they havent even officially gave out numbers yet have they?

IF Braylon has stipulated that the number must go to a WR, then so be it.  It's his gig and he can do that.  I'd rather a WR get the number as it's fun for us fans to perpetuate this, I guess what we're calling, tradition?  But what's the difference if Stonum gets the number and then spends the next 4 years on the bench?  Maybe it should only go to a returning senior WR who has 'earned it'.  This is how Braylon got it.  The other problem is the fact that I haven't heard RR come out and say who is getting the number so is any of this factual?  Maybe we should wait before everyone freaks out.  But if you're in the camp that feels this is a long-standing tradition at Michigan, I have but one question: What is the criteria?  Is it the best senior WR?  Is it a recruiting tool? (I REALLY struggle with that one. a) Let's tack a little more pressure onto an 18-yr old b) Let's be sure to let the rest of the recruits know that they don't measure up and c) Let's be sure to put a number ahead of the team.) Is it the best freshman?  Is it the guy with the best stats?  Is it the guy that looks the most like AC?  Is it the guy with tons of potential, who sulks for 3 years and under-performs, who then lands in the coach's doghouse but yet requests the number from said-coach, who then uses it as a carrot on a stick to said-WR, who then grows up and goes out and gets it done his last year?  Anybody recognize this guy?  This so-called tradition has never really gotten off the ground for all of the above, in my opinion.
 
Michigan has plenty of traditions, as many or more than any other school, so hanging on to a tradition that has really been about the fans and not so much the program isn't going to make or break anything.  Personally (and this is just my opinion and not to be confused with fact), I don't really care either way.  The only number one I care about is in the Big Ten standings.  The rest fits nicely into forums and blogs across the universe.  Of course, this ends up in RR's lap as we seem to have but 2 camps: RR is the greatest thing to ever hit Ann Arbor OR, RR has pi$$ed all over Michigan, it's traditions, it's alumni, and it's former coaching staff.  I sit in the middle of this until there is enough evidence of either. 

"I have marked down losses for Wisconsin, Michigan State, Penn State, and Ohio State. And then there could be others such as Illinois".-BigHouseFootball March 08

Phil, you're post comes off in the tone that you think Rodriguez somehow did this on purpose to stick it to the "old guard", I hardly think that's the case...  There's most assuredly a number of other possibilities outside of the 2 you mentioned, who's to say that since Rodriguez is the head coach, he didn't just go ahead and assign the number without consulting anyone.  You act as though this is some slap in the face, is he supposed to double check every single thing he does so that he's not stepping on the toes of tradition?  Of course it's not just another number to BRAYLON AND AC, for heaven's sake it means the world to them, but to sit here and say that it's clearly known that the #1 signifies all of the above, etc, etc, etc, simply isn't the case.  I think it's great that they've started a scholarship fund to try to implement this, but it isn't entirely possible that Rodriguez simply didn't know about it?  I can understand why Braylon is upset, but what makes you think this won't be dealt with?  What do you want Rodriguez to do, pass some sort of Michigan Tradition Entrance Exam?  The guy, to me, has done an awful lot to reach out to the Michigan alumni and the former players all while attempting to come in under the pressure cooker of a huge program with huge expectations and do what's expected of him... and we're going to blast him over assigning a jersey number?  Hardly an egregious error.

The whole business about the number 1 is not only:

A) Incredibly new in so far as the scholarship fund is concerned, it was started in what, '06?  Up until then...
B) It had been upheld strictly and only by the fans, I mean how many times has Lloyd Carr said that it ended up being a great tool that worked for Braylon, but it was hardly used as some sort of reward or reserved spot for greatness prior to Braylon's need for motivation. 

It's quite clear that you're upset about it, but methinks you doth protest too much on this one, it'll all work out fine, there are so many other and far more important things to be concerned about right now.  Does it come across as rooting against Rodriguez?  No not really, but it does come across as though you're waiting for the opportunity to question the guy over any possible misstep whether it be under the category of tradition, coaching, or otherwise.  He's been here all of five months, lets go ahead and give him a bit of a chance shall we?

You know, another one of our traditions here centers around "THE TEAM, THE TEAM, THE TEAM" so I wouldn't exactly say that this:

Making a big deal out of who wears a certain # is just another way to promote individual players.  I don't even like names on the back of the jerseys.  One of the reasons why I like college athletics more than pro is that college sports are more about the team than it is the players.

Is all that far off...

http://theonlygamethatmatters.blogspot.com/

What the mind can conceive, the mind can achieve; and those who stay will be Champions.
GO BLUE!

ORIGINAL: scmgoblue



The whole business about the number 1 is not only:

A) Incredibly new in so far as the scholarship fund is concerned, it was started in what, '06?  Up until then...
B) It had been upheld strictly and only by the fans, I mean how many times has Lloyd Carr said that it ended up being a great tool that worked for Braylon, but it was hardly used as some sort of reward or reserved spot for greatness prior to Braylon's need for motivation. 

I have to disagree on this, Lloyd and Co used the #1 as a recruiting tool to pitch to WR recruits. I think its important to more than just us fans, Braylon certainly thinks so, as have recruits.

"When you coach at Michigan, you walk on water, period. There's a difference."-Don Nehlen

ORIGINAL: MichFan4Life

ORIGINAL: scmgoblue



The whole business about the number 1 is not only:

A) Incredibly new in so far as the scholarship fund is concerned, it was started in what, '06?  Up until then...
B) It had been upheld strictly and only by the fans, I mean how many times has Lloyd Carr said that it ended up being a great tool that worked for Braylon, but it was hardly used as some sort of reward or reserved spot for greatness prior to Braylon's need for motivation. 

I have to disagree on this, Lloyd and Co used the #1 as a recruiting tool to pitch to WR recruits. I think its important to more than just us fans, Braylon certainly thinks so, as have recruits.

They might have after Braylon came through, but I don't recall them ever mentioning it before his career ended in Ann Arbor.

http://theonlygamethatmatters.blogspot.com/

What the mind can conceive, the mind can achieve; and those who stay will be Champions.
GO BLUE!