Those who complained, or were at the very least concerned, that Gov. Joe Manchin was too close to the situation must commend the man for maintaining a distance and letting WVU and Rich Rodriguez slap one another. One wonders if it wasn’t simpleprogression and the fact Manchin had more important things to do for the state. Heck, he might not even notice how long he’s been gone.

Regardless, Manchin hadn’t been heard from in this arena for some time before meeting with the Daily Mail’s editorial board. He was, of course, asked for his thoughts on some Rodriguez matters and Manchin once again didn’t hide his feelings for agents, particularly Mike Brown.

Manchin blames Brown, the agent, for the less-than-savvy way Rodriguez departed from WVU. Manchin called Brown “unscrupulous.”

Rodriguez and WVU are continuing to battle in court over $4 million the university says the former coach owes for breaking his contract. Rodriguez says he was fooled into signing the contract.

Manchin said he believes agents’ influence on college coaches is a major problem. He likened agents to “used car salesmen” who take control of coaches’ lives and finances while hunting around for a better deal with a bigger school.

“It’s just so wrong to have that kind of atmosphere around the collegiate experience,” Manchin said. “A coaching staff makes it even more special when it’s right.” 

Unscrupulous. Yes. I believe that does say it all.