Rich Rodriguez: Bitter or Benevolent?

Rich Rodriguez

Early in January, 2011, the University of Michigan fired its head football coach, Rich Rodriguez, after three disappointing seasons. Since then, Brady Hoke, the San Diego State coach, was hired to replace him. 

In the search process, much was made of Michigan looking for a "Michigan man" -- indicating Rodriguez was not. There were comments that Rich and his wife never "fit in" and did not understand and appreciate the "Michigan Tradition." But, let's face it, the bottom line was his teams were not winning. I suspect if he had fielded winning teams, had defeated Ohio State at least once, had a winning record in the Big 10, had not been humiliated by Mississippi State on New Year's day, he would have "fit in" and be preparing for the next season.

 

Yesterday (1/15/2011) a Salvation Army store in Wayne, Michigan, auctioned off a dozen garbage bags of Wolverine clothing (approximately 400 items) donated by Rich Rodriquez. In spite of bad weather the auction was a big success, and the store which has been struggling raised an undisclosed amount of  much-needed money. Mr. Rodriguez who made the donation last Monday did not attend the auction.

Since he has not commented on the topic, the question arises: was he bitter or benevolent? Was he simply making a donation to help out a charitable organization? Or was he sending a message to the University Community that he wants to rid himself of anything that is maze and blue? Is he expressing his  unhappiness with the way the university handled his firing? For  example, the timing of his firing saved the university approximately $2 million and therefore cost him $2 million.

What's your opinion? Bitter or benevolent? Leave a comment.