Rich Rodriguez has taken more criticism in his one off-season at Michigan than most coaches do over the course of their career—and he hasn’t even played a game yet. Most of you have probably already heard about the issue with the #1 jersey by now, but in case you haven’t, the jersey was used in the past strictly for wide receivers. It was a jersey that had to be earned based on proper conduct off the field (cite Manningham’s #86) in addition to strong on the field performance. The most recent Wolverine to sport #1 was Braylon Edwards, who was preceded by star receivers like David Terrell and Anthony Carter. Edwards had actually donated $500,000 for a jersey scholarship fund with the intention of having the #1 jersey remain designated for upperclassmen with strong GPA’s and off the field conduct (Wide Receiver position implied).

I originally decided not to write about this ordeal because I was not at all surprised by it, but an OTR tipster wanted to hear about it, so here it is. It’s obvious that a lot of people are going to be upset about Rodriguez breaking tradition and giving the #1 jersey to freshman Defensive Back J.T Floyd (not official). However, it’s amazing to me how people have not come to accept the fact that Rich Rodriguez only cares about one Michigan tradition-- winning. Michigan traditionally doesn’t talk to recruits after they make oral commitments elsewhere? F*ck it. Michigan traditionally lets current players’ younger siblings on the team regardless of talent? F*ck it. Michigan traditionally coddles their All-American talent instead of pushing them to maximize to their potential? F*ck it. Michigan traditionally gives something as arbitrary as a number to a particular player? F*ck it.

Get the pattern? If it helps win games, Rodriguez will take care of it. If it will keep up the non-winning tradition of our recent past, he doesn’t give a sh*t. Get used to it.