Offensive lineman Justin Boren received his release papers from the Michigan football team and issued a statement regarding his departure from the Wolverines.

 

Boren, the Wolverines' most experienced returning lineman, left the team on Monday, a day before the team's fifth spring practice under new coach Rich Rodriguez.

 

"I regret leaving behind my friends and teammates, but I need to stand up for what I know is right," Boren said in a statement released Wednesday afternoon. "I wore the winged helmet with pride, whether we won or lost, whether things were going well or times were tough.

 

"Michigan football was a family, built on mutual respect and support for each other from (former) Coach (Lloyd) Carr on down. We knew it took the entire family, a team effort, and we all worked together. I have great trouble accepting that those family values have eroded in just a few months. That same helmet, that I was raised on and proudly claimed for the last two years, now brings a completely different emotion to me, one that interferes with practicing and playing my best and mentally preparing for what is required.

 

"That I am unable to perform under these circumstances at the level I expect of myself, and my teammates and Michigan fans deserve, is why I have made the decision to leave. To those of you outside the program, the loyal Michigan fans and alumni, I know you will have trouble understanding, but I do want to thank you for your years of support. I wish my teammates the best and will always be proud to have been a part of Michigan football over the past two years."

 

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080326/SPORTS0201/803260444

Not good.. But it really doesn't make any sense.

You're looking at two very different styles with Carr and Rodriguez. Some kids aren't going to like what he brings to the table. Next year could be tough on the Wolverines, but I think this will be a good hire in the long run.

You're looking at two very different styles with Carr and Rodriguez. Some kids aren't going to like what he brings to the table. Next year could be tough on the Wolverines, but I think this will be a good hire in the long run.

 

:thumb::thumb::thumb::thumb:

I think this will be a good hire in the long run.

 

I'm starting to think otherwise...

I'm starting to think otherwise...

 

I will give him the benefit of the doubt for now. I will wait to see him with a full year to work with his guys, and recruit.

You're looking at two very different styles with Carr and Rodriguez. Some kids aren't going to like what he brings to the table. Next year could be tough on the Wolverines, but I think this will be a good hire in the long run.

 

Mark it down.

 

No way it works out good.

 

RR's tenure ends with arrest, cover ups, and scholarship reductions because Ann Arbor is not Morgantown.

Doesn't sound good. For a dedicated player to leave like this is a huge red flag, IMO.

I'm starting to think otherwise...

 

Well, arrests might pick up for the Ann Arbor/Detroit police.

I'm starting to think otherwise...

 

Tough to say. RR will bring the talent in, no doubt, but at what costs? Some of the guys he brought in at WVU made a lot of people wonder, but he won't have to be that desperate at Michigan. Only time will tell.

So is this guy gonna play anywhere else next year?

So is this guy gonna play anywhere else next year?

 

He'll have to sit out a transfer year. Right now it looks like UC and OSU are the most likely options early...

I spoke with someone close to the UM program over the weekend and asked about Rodriguez...he said the feelings of the players towards RR was "mixed".

Sounds about par for the course with a new coach.

What exactly is RR doing that this kid has such a beef with? I know RR had problems at WV but I doubt RR came in to Ann Arbor and said, "hey guys, I'm here, start assaulting people and going to strip clubs if you want to be a part of this team"

I spoke with someone close to the UM program over the weekend and asked about Rodriguez...he said the feelings of the players towards RR was "mixed".

Sounds about par for the course with a new coach.

Great statement!

 

Change is good for some, not so good for others. This is commonplace around the country.