Well, let’s begin with the 112 phone calls and the apparent resolution to that intrigue — voicemail. The confirmation came from the University of Michigan. In records I was provided, WVU redacted all phone numbers, meaning the number dialed was blacked out and not visible. Had it been visible, I would have called it, just like I did with numbers that belonged to UM recruits. People should understand that. Should.

Voicemail was the hunch from the start, just because the volume of the calls, and I looked into this right away. However, I couldn’t have received less help from people you think would be able to help and even had one person tell me voicemail wasn’t possible because Morgantown is so far from Peterstown. In all honesty, that, too, was also my hunch. 

But let’s also look how and where this started: 13 words from the 24th paragraph of a story about a larger issue, one Rodriguez does not deny.

On Dec. 15, Rodriguez made seven calls to Peterstown, Monroe County, a place he called 112 times during November and December, often in succession, and also made calls to Boston, Toledo and Phoenix, where his agent works. On Dec. 16, he repeated the cycle with calls to each location. This time, the call to Phoenix lasted 29 minutes.

Somewhere out there, the story is quoted as labeling the calls “suspicious”  — that word never came from my story or the blog, where I used words innuendo, puzzling and intrigue, all of which I think are accurate. For some reason, the thing ballooned into something much bigger, no doubt because people would like to think the worst of Rodriguez, and I think it deserved some discussion, hence the posting yesterday. 

Let’s jump into the Friday Feedback and begin with a quote apropos of everything this week…

glibglub said:

Is it me or have we stepped through the proverbial looking glass?

So true…

KarlVader said:

I’ve been e-mailing back and forth about this story with friends the last few days, and this is what one, an attorney, had to say about the shredding:

If they can prove Rodriguez did destroy (or worse take) the files, the 4 Mil is pretty much chicken feed. I would be tempted to seek some sort of sanction from the NCAA on this. I don’t think he can avoid a subpoena to testify at least in a deposition. That will force him talk about what he did. This could tie him up for much of the remainder of the recruiting season and probably during spring practice etc. I would also seek some sort of prohibition on his contacting any high school where he had recruited before, and some sort of a prohibition on contacting the athletes recruited for WVU.. It may be too late at this point for the latter, but you could seek future prohibitions against him or his assistants visting those schools, which would make recuiting difficult.

Welcome aboard, Karl. I included this because, while speculative, which, in truth, is the best anyone can do right now, it seems to map out what may happen in the future. Basically, I’m never getting a vacation.

Matt said:

I’ll preface this by clearly stating that I am not a native or alumn of WV. I lived in Michigan up until 2 years ago and now live in the south. Having stated that for the record, I’m sure you know where my perspective is coming from. I’m more than amazed at all the outrage over this entire story.
This is “big-time” college athletics and anyone who thinks it’s not about the money and the business side of revenue generating sports is naive. Mich is looking out for it’s major revenue generating sport (football) and RR is looking to advance his career. Just as WVU was looking to advance when they hired RR away from Clemson, Huggins away from K state and so on. Everybody ends up on the “short end of the draw” from time to time. If you have talented people working for you in any business, they are going to draw the interest of other organizations. Just because someone is born and raised in somewhere, doesnt etch in stone that they will stay forever. Why cant WVU fans focus on the fact that RR built the program into something special on a national level and, hopefully under the right leadership, will continue to thrive. I know hurt causes strong emotions, but at some point I think your fan base needs to “move on”. The name calling and mud slinging reflects poorly on everyone involved.
Regarding the latest “records scandal”, if they cant say for sure what is missing, then how the hell can you make the accusation?! The WVU administration is sounding more and more petty and juvenile everyday! I completely understand the 4 mill lawsuit (again business). Everything else sounds meritless and petty. Let it go. WVU is not the first school to lose a coach and certainly wont be the last.
Regarding this article and Carty. To say “Michigan is on to RR” buys right into the Jim Carty “conspiracy theories” that he loves to write everyday. He is a great read, but he loves to “fan the flames”. RR owes nobody an apology. Money yes, but nothing more. I’ve read articles that state RR has lost his reputation from this, but WVU needs to be careful or they will do the same. Take the high road. Writing that Pitt and Mich did you a favor is ridiculus. Appreciate what he built there. You dont need to like it or him, but dont disrespect what he did.

Cue the angry mob in 3, 2, 1…Seriously, though, a pretty rational perspective that, I hope, takes its place in time. Yet for all the points Matt makes, namely the hurt, emotion, mud-slinging, so on and so forth, it’ll never happen. And I’m telling you, the lawsuit and what is revealed within could make this much, much worse. We haven’t even had a legal response from Rodriguez yet and it’s already an ugly situation.

Rob W. said:

This particular episode is really interesting. I’m not at all happy with how Rich handled his departure, but I’ve been more of the mindset of being appreciative of what he did for our program and let him move on if he doesn’t want to be in Morgantown. I think it is way too early to draw definitive conclusions on this situation, but it is interesting.

My first reaction is that I hope that there is truth to it and that it can be used against him aggressively. Maybe I am a bit more bitter than I allow myself to admit. But if he DID have involvement in the destruction of files, it really angers me that he continues to light a match to what he left behind.

It appears to me that these files and records would officially be the property of the State of West Virginia since WVU is a State institution. Without pretending to know the laws governing retention and/or guardianship of these particular documents, I would assume that they are the property of WVU even if they were considered as trivial as his own “personal notes”, etc. so long as they were gathered, created, etc. within the course and scope of his employment.

And my first reaction to this is that this is where things could get real interesting. Because could it be that – if this can be proven – that a criminal action could be brought forth in addition to a civil action?

Again, I just do not understand his “burn it to the ground” mentality, assuming for the moment that this situation is what it appears to be at first glance…….

Also, I kind of hope it might be true and can be proven just to make Michigan uncomfortable with it because of that whole “holier than thou” attitude that they possess about the practices of their academic institution. I just think that part would be amusing…..

Again, speculative, but the possible effects of this entire ordeal are, indeed, the most interesting part of this. I doubt there is anything illegal or criminal in nature and I think the “why?” bothers WVU more than the “what?” It’s still … well, it’s fascinating and I cannot figure out why I feel that way. I have my own feelings and suspicions, but what I generally come back to is it might not be a terribly big deal, but because of who he is and what he’s done, it’s a terribly big deal.

thacker said:

Over the last few days, have taken a few moments to try to read through some of the blog chatter regarding this mess. The only thing that I came away with, afterwards, is uncontrolled nose bleeding from the absurdity of the majority of the ‘chatter’.

Carty does point out the viable solution to this, pay the buyout. I am not so sure that it can happen. I doubt Rodriguez has the liquid assets to even pay the specified installments. I doubt, also, that as things currently stand that he could successfully leverage his employment contract to borrow the money. I doubt, also, that Michigan alumni would be willing to advance the money or outright pay it off … at least as willing as they might have been last week.

However, Rodriguez does have the resources, I would imagine, to pay attorneys. So, the mess will probably continue. I hope to hell, somehow and someway, the buyout is paid off, paid off soon and this silliness is put to bed.

It is time for both universities to move on.

The irony may end up being that both Pitt and the University of Michigan did a profound service for WVU football. It is looking that way to me.

Second reference to Jim Carty of the Ann Arbor news and his enlightening-though-unlikely suggestion Rodriguez simply apologize and pay the buyout.

Mack said:

I’d like to see the Vegas odds on this happening.

Vegas wouldn’t touch this one.

glibglub said:

I just hope the missing files don’t turn up in some Morgantown storage rental bin, along with the missing Heather Bresch transcripts. That would be humiliating.

Can’t believe it took everyone that long to make the Heather Bresch joke.

Homer said:

There is plenty of old-guard, old money at Michigan. Carty is expressing a viewpoint that is surely bubbling up.

Possible, and you wonder exactly how some of the big-timers who make the big-time possible at Michigan are observing this.

Let’s get into some comments regarding the claims a Morgantown principal harassed former defensive back coach Tony Gibson’s son, claims the principal dismissed.

thacker says:

Casazza–

Thank you for digging.

One thing that I do not understand is that if such abuse is occurring at the levels as some indicate and with Gibson’s belief of:

[West Virginia] is a place we need to stay out of for a while.

Why are they leaving their wives and children behind in such a purportedly hostile environment? Is it that it is not hostile, that it is not as hostile as they claim or is that they are not men? Perhaps, it is a little shame that makes Gibson and/or others feel this way? Perhaps, too, these may have been just small misunderstandings and that their families are safe but they [coaches] feel they, themselves, may not be?

I don’t know the answers. I would like to know, in light of all of the accusations, why they have left them behind and for what reasons.

My gut tells me that no one has been or is in harm’s way and that includes the coaches if and when they go back home for a visit.

PaulMcCauley says:

I just don’t believe people of this mans capacity would ever think of doing anything as low as he is being accused of. I believe the incident occured just the way the principal described it and I don’t think Gibson’s wife told it the way it was reported in the Detroit Press. Tony Gibson should never have made this comment without knowing for sure it was the entire truth. And, if it did happen as reported in the press, I am confused as to why coach Gibson is leaving his son in such an environment. Also, if it did happen, the principal should be removed from his position…….However, I do not believe it happened at all. Another one of those stories intended to sell papers and………make West Virginia look bad. As for the coaches not being safe when they come home to visit…..well, I don’t believe that one either. I do believe however, that they (RR and Gibson) will be given the cold shoulder by many people who want to let them know they are not happy with the way either of them left.

jmbwvu says:

And one last point. Gibson’s son is 13. Do 13 yr. olds take WVU football so passionately that they take it out on their classmate? How many 13 year olds know who Tony Gibson was or even what a recruiting coordinator is or does? I am a big as fan as there is and I had not even heard of Gibson before all this started. Whether that means anything, I don’t know, just trying to make a point.

Hmmm. I think it’d be hard, if not unfair, to take a kid out of school in December and try to throw him into a new school in a new state immediately after realizing his world was turned upside down by his dad taking a new job. Not being the devil’s advocate here, but trying to explain their POV. I do think they’ll be wary of their next venture into Morgantown — and I feel bad about that because the people they’re worried about couldn’t care less. I do see something to jmbwvu’s comment though. Do kids really know who Tony Gibson is? Do they care he’s leaving? And if they do/did, can’t we assume they’re over it now because they would inherently understand the effects of replacing Gibby with Doc Holliday and David Lockwood. The big question: Are we ready to implicate our youth as football wunderkinds with an axe to grind?

PaulMcCauley says: 

Everybody has to remember one thing……The University hasn’t come out with anything serious so far. The media….as always….is the culprit who is making this such a big thing. I am sure University officials are waiting to see exactly what they have to bring forth before making any big time statements. If we end up looking bad, it will be mainly the fault of the media for taking this and running with it before knowing all the facts. I wish people would understand that the media is always looking for ways to sell print…..and this entire RR thing is giving them a lot to write about…or fabricate. Please hold on before anybody makes any final cnclusions on the subject. All I have read about University statements is that their is a problem. They have not even said they are sure who did hat.

You’re thinking I’m going to lash out, right? Not at all because there is some validity to this. As best as we can tell, WVU knew about this for about two weeks and wasn’t really doing much about it. Then it’s sourced out to a reporter and he has to go with it. Can’t sit on that story, so let’s not blame the media there. And going back to the 112 calls, that was akin to a throwaway line in the story, and it mushroomed. Not sure that’s the media’s fault, either. In the meantime, was WVU prepared to deal with the publication of the initial news? Probably not and that’s not the university’s fault, either, and you can instead understand why they’re not coming out in force with proof or evidence — or even revelations to the contrary. Sometimes silence is deadly, but sometimes silence is smart. You know, it wouldn’t be good for me and what I do, but maybe everyone should just stop talking for a little bit and allow some time for things to be sorted out.

AnxiousEER97 said:

You’re now offering legal opinions?

Mack said:

No. He’s linking to a story where the lawyers offer their legal opinions. It’s kind of what we ask journalists to do.

Thank you, Mack. I do think I’ve injected a little legal knowledge into stories this week, but only after discussing things with legal people so that I might come across as informed. And if a WVU source tells a paper Rodriguez destroyed things and that allegation triggers the subsequent responses from Rodriguez and his agent – smear campaign, institutional control problems, etc. — than the idea is suddenly out there that perhaps WVU is damaging Rodiguez. Remember, the buyout is all about damage.

JX said:

I have (SLOWLY) come around on the Bobby Huggins era. Yeah, he inherited a ton of talent but, given his “ability” to recruit, er, “athletes” I don’t imagine WVU will have any problems maintaining this level of play for the foreseeable future.

And, while i’m thinking about it, I REALLY hope if WVU holds this together and ends up playing at the Big Boy table in March that they get a game where Gus Johnson is on the play by play.

I would love NOTHING MORE than to her Gus Johnson call the play by play when Joe Alexander breaks loose on a fastbreak. Think about it. Exciting to even PONDER isn’t it?

Oh, thank goodness. Let’s talk about basketball. WVU needs to win some road games — actually, everyone in the Big East does — because there are some tough home games coming up and to cover up a possible loss at home, or to pad a strong home record, road wins are critical. Then maybe the Mountaineers do get into the NCAA Tournament with the great Gus.

jmbwvu said:

I would take Nichols to point my team anywere, anytime. I have watched him for 4 years now and every time I watch him one word comes to mind….Point Guard. That position has slowly deteriorated with the emergence of the Iverson style point guard and the point-forward position. The guy who brings the ball up the court and also takes the most shots on the team. It is pleasant for me to watch a player who is a real floor general and can run a team on the court. He breaks the press, gets WVU in their offensive sets, knocks down open shots, etc. and I think he is as underrated player as their is in the country…Remeber that step-back 3 to win the NIT, he’s also money in the clutch.

Nope, can’t let it slide: “every time I watch him one word comes to mind….Point Guard” Nichols is a good one and you’d like to see him be more assertive offensively, something he says he’s trying to do more now that he understands and is more comfortable with the demands and designs of the Huggins philosophy. If that comes to fruition, watch out because the team follows his lead.

Finally… 

glibglub said:

Even if he does pay, $4 million will not undo the multitude of other, severely underreported ill deeds RR has done. Among them:

– Trampling flower beds lovingly planted by little old ladies
– Stiffing several Girl Scouts for money due on receipt of cookies
– Keying random cars throughout the Greater Morgantown area
– Repeatedly calling the circulation office of the Dominion Post, pretending that his paper isn’t getting delivered, and demanding credit to his account
– Luring Glenda, an innocent little girl’s beloved, flaxen-maned pony, into a horse trailer and spiriting it away into the night.

He’s just a bad seed, man. A bad, bad seed.
[Disclaimer for the humorless: The foregoing is just a little joke. Laugh and enjoy life.]