Coach Rod's Mother Writes Local Newspaper
Coach Rod's Mother Writes Local Newspaper Save Email Print
Posted: 4:08 PM Jan 3, 2008
Last Updated: 4:20 PM Jan 3, 2008
Reporter: Scott Saxton
Email Address: scott.saxton@wsaz.com

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The mother of former West Virginia University head football coach Rich Rodriguez wrote a letter to the editor at the Fairmont Times-West Virginian Thursday.

Arleen Rodriguez said the reasons for her son's departure (to Michigan) are known only to him. She says the threats to her family and the damaged property in the wake of Rich's move are deplorable.

Arleen asked folks to donate money to charity in West Virginia instead of buying anti-Rich t-shirts.

Below is the entire letter to the editor:

"I am writing this to thank our family and many, many friends who have contacted us to congratulate us and wish us well on our son's (Coach Rod's) move to Michigan.

We as a family will especially miss the fun times of all being together every football game Saturday.

Although we are sad to see Rich, Rita and our grandchildren move, it
was their chance to do what he felt necessary for his career.

The circumstances surrounding his move have been very disturbing to our family.

We all love our state, including Rich. However, his reasons to move on are known only to him, and if he chooses not to go into details as to what made him move, we can only respect his decision.

We have found it especially difficult to understand or explain the actions of a few of our West Virginians.

It was deplorable that our family, especially the children, have been threatened and property damaged.

I hope those of you who feel the need to spend your hard-earned money on the anti-Rod T-shirts would take a suggestion and instead donate money to a West Virginia charity, since that would help the state.

When a door closes a window may open, and I hope that this ordeal will soon be settled.

We love you, dear friends and family, who stand by and support us.
May the new year bring peace and happiness along with a Mountaineer victory. We now have two teams to cheer for.

Arleen Rodriguez
Coach Rod's Mom"

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Posted by: Glen on Nov 16, 2008 at 11:09 AM
poor ole rod 'BLESS HIS HEART"

Posted by: jimmy on Jun 29, 2008 at 03:54 PM
just a short stop on his way to Notre Dame when charlies term is done he'll be ready to step in and a national championship will be acquired

Posted by: JAMIE on Jan 10, 2008 at 08:29 AM
You people are the biggest bunch of cry baby losers I have ever seen. Get a life and leave the man and his family alone. His family did nothing at all to you niether did he if anything you shoulkd be thanking him for getting you some national respect wich apparently you cant handle the pressure. Get over it,people get a BETTER JOB every day,I dont see you acting like this to them. Get A life really!!!!!!

Posted by: shade on Jan 8, 2008 at 05:03 PM
Listen Mommy, your disgraced son should have left before the Pitt game then maybe WVU could have played for the national title. Everyone knows he tanked the game so he could go on to UM! He's a mediocre coach with no integrity & everything he said about Michigan... huh, we've heard it before! So how many comittments does your grandson have now... WVU, Univ of MIchigan who else?

Posted by: wvufan on Jan 8, 2008 at 04:39 PM
The manner in which your son left showed his true character. Complete lack of class & disregard for the young men that depended on & looked up to him as their leader! He should've coached through the bowl & then left. Obviously his greed & hunger for power & fame was greater than his loyalty he so many times preached! And by the way which school will your grandson play for... sounds like he has too many verbal commitments. What kind of son have you raised & how can you defend his selfish ways? Maybe the rest of the family should consider a move! I hope he flops at Michigan!

Posted by: Noone cares about it shut up! on Jan 8, 2008 at 11:05 AM
I wonder how much of the money he is making he gave his mother to write that letter? Mommy please write the state of WV and let them know I have my reasons. If my child asked me to do that I would say whats your reason? You know she asked him and he told her. She is a fraudriguez too. And all these people defending him. You need to know the facts. It was not threats to his family as if someone was going to kill them . It was simple Im going to whip your sons / daughters butt. Kids wanting to fight other kids. Get over it people it happens everywhere. But not to worry or lord no dont you worry your little heads. They are all true blue Fraudriguez's they are #1 when it comes to running and hiding when the going gets tough. Dumb jerk makes alot of money and cant afford to buy himself a new Blue and Gold tie to wear . wearing the same one from WVU . Oh wait he knows what he had was a good thing. He didnt go to the Crimson color but had to stay with the Blue & Gold Colors. He knows!

Posted by: WVU FAN on Jan 8, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Also, please quit the hillbilly stereotyping. West Virginia's are very proud people with first and foremost, honesty and integrity. When you give your word and a hand shake it means something - old fashioned, maybe, but that is what we expected out of Rodriquez. Bill Stewart will be that guy, that proud West Virginian that you can hang your hat on his word. WV is a very rural state with a lot of national forest & state parks, etc. We get about three months of summer, if we are lucky, don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade it for anything. We have farmers who are carrying on the generation of farming by their forefathers. WV is very rural for the most. People love to come here to ski, camp, hunt, hike, etc. In this state if you need something your neighbor will help you, we say hi on the street and if you break down beside the road you will get help, not someone knocking you over the head. Call us old fashioned, we don't care, we like it - but don't call us ignorant hillbillys.

Posted by: WVU FAN on Jan 8, 2008 at 10:44 AM
First, everybody is saying, "let it drop." Well, we would if the media would let us. Second, I don't condone violence or harassment by fans,& again, everybody has them & nobody likes them. THIRD & MOST IMPORTANTLY, it is NOT that Rodriguez LEFT it is HOW he left. In secret, the deal was sealed. Nobody asked our administration permission to speak to our coach as is required & expected. Rodriquez called the RECRUITS that he recruited on WU $$$ & told them of the move before he told his own payers - CLASSY? Not only was this sleezy - it also prevented WVU from contacting the recruits for a week. So the knife was in WVU's back & turning. Rodriquez gave his resignation letter to a student to deliver to the admiistration instead of doing it personally & left out a side door. When talking about the 4 M buyout, Rodriques said that he would contest it $ mentioned the word FRAUD in connection with WVU, we don't like that. He may have built a program up but he tore down as he left.

Posted by: True Blue..WVU on Jan 8, 2008 at 06:41 AM
To the Mountaineer Team & Coaches: FAIR WELL! To Fraudriguez: FAREWELL!

Posted by: VS on Jan 6, 2008 at 09:43 PM
I appreciate this letter from Rod's mother and don't really understand the threats towards his family. That's just unacceptable. To those of you who claim the entire state of WV has no class because of an unfortunate few people please recall the death threats towards Lloyd Carr and his family after his started the season 0-2...Fans in this country in general react poorly with things like this.

Posted by: wvuballfan on Jan 6, 2008 at 08:35 PM
I don't think it's just because he left that makes people upset, it's how he did it. A big deal was made last year about him almost going to Alabama. After that he emphasized that he was going to be at WVU forever. Then this year when all the Michigan rumors started he was very evasive. I think if he was just honest from the beginning people would have respected his decision more. If he didn't want to be here that's fine, just be honest about it. Don't go back and forth. I think he owed all the WVU fans who have been behind him at least that much.

Posted by: JK on Jan 6, 2008 at 05:49 PM
If he doesnt beat Ohio State 2 out of 3, he will end up in the cheese line.

Posted by: Lisa on Jan 6, 2008 at 04:31 PM
I agree with his mother. Sometimes coaches make decisions for their best interest and we all have to admit that we do the same thing on a daily basis. If you aren't happy in your career you make changes when possible. Life is short and we need to make it tolerable, even if others don't always approve. I'm also sure it wasn't an easy decision for Rich. It's something we need to just understand and if given the opportunity, would do the same. I'm a Kentucky fan and we had the same thing happen to us with Pitino, so I understand the anger. I also am a season ticket holder with Kentucky football and have been for 12 years, so I can understand the anger with fans. But we need to remember it is a SPORT and no one has the right to threatened a family. Move on with a positive attitude that a door has opened for the continuation of a very successful Mountaineer team. I wish the Mountaineers and Rich both successful seasons next year. The new coach seems like a great guy!

Posted by: Ian on Jan 6, 2008 at 01:33 PM
Does anyone in West Virginia... 1. ...have any class? Threatening his family, doing damage to private property and calling him racist names show what kind of people you are. 2. ...know any grammatical rules? Trying to read your hideously structured posts with no punctuation, capitalization or proper spelling has given me pause. Your state is in deep trouble if you are its average residents...

Posted by: lies, lies, lies on Jan 6, 2008 at 12:59 PM
What will MI do when they find out the real reason FRAUD ROD left? I wonder how many people know the real truth!?! It aint just the $$$$ I promise that. Rah Rah!!

Posted by: Shawn on Jan 6, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Actually we have 11 teams to cheer for. WVU and the rest of the Big Ten.

Posted by: Cole on Jan 6, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Interesting how so many have turned “threats against” the children into death threats. Fact is the family has only reported them as threats and for those who know, it was children threatening to beat-up other children, anything more serious would surely have drawn charges filed and arrest being made. Secondly, RR and his family aren’t the only sports figures to experience these threats, it’s not isolated to the culture and sports environment of West Virginia alone; Hank Aaron, Lou Holtz, Steve Spurrier, Tony Dorset, Magic Johnson Dieon Sanders, and the list goes on and on, have all received such threats. There is simply no defense for RR’s actions but there is reason for celebrating his departure, he was at best, a slightly below average coach before the arrival of Pat White, if that seems hard to believe, or remember, go read his record and statistics on MSNSports. In summary, RR wasn’t the reason WVU was 10-2 at the time of his departure, he was the reason they weren’t 12-0.…….

Posted by: Roger on Jan 6, 2008 at 12:37 AM
Laura Jean, we're glad you are not from West Virginia,too.

Posted by: Sambo on Jan 5, 2008 at 11:33 PM
I have to agree with Tiffany. It's just a football game. There are much more things in life that people should be so concerned about. HOW ABOUT SALVATION?????

Posted by: Tyrell on Jan 5, 2008 at 11:30 PM
West Virginians must really hate Michigan. First, Detroit takes over the city of Huntington. Then, Michigan steals both the basketball and football coach in Morgantown.

Posted by: john public on Jan 5, 2008 at 11:04 PM
it must run in the family; just like rich, his mom just doesn't seem to understand that it's not the fact that he left wvu, but HOW HE LEFT. and why the silence from the man, himself? if wvu was so bad to him, why not tell his side? because there's nothing to tell. he had secret meetings with michigan, refused to address the issue when the news leaked, and then hurried out of town, with family in tow, after giving a grad assistant his resignation letter to deliver to his boss. yeah, what a classy guy. arleen sees nothing wrong with this picture, so i guess this is how she raised her kids. but you know, like arleen knows, what wvu now knows, and what michigan will eventually know, there is no integrity associated with rich rodriguez.

Posted by: frank on Jan 5, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Jamie, this is the definition of redneck. You seem to be confused. "narrow, prejudiced, or reactionary." This describes those threatening the family, etc. exactly.

Posted by: Zack on Jan 5, 2008 at 05:47 PM
How ironic is it that WVU fans are saying RichRod has no class? Being a Marshall fan, I have seen the disrespect, stupidity and ignorance of plenty of WVU fans, yet you feel you have the right to critisize him for doing what is best for him and his family? How many of you would not leave your job of 10 yrs for a job that is going to pay you twice as much? 95% of you would say you would leave and the other 5% are lying! So what makes this different? Get over yourselves and burn a couch! GO HERD!

Posted by: Larry on Jan 5, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Oh and btw..I've watched all but two of WVu's games this year, and to tell the truth the offensive adjustments to different defensives sure left a lot to be desired!!!!! I'm sure if OUR REAL coach looks in any back yard in WV he can find a better offensive co-ordinator!! DO NOT threaten his family folks, let them live with themselves, we don't have too!!! I watched coach BILL as much as I did the game, and anyone can tell that he can recruit new kids into this program. Thanks for listening fellow hillbillies!!

Posted by: Debbie on Jan 5, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Come on. Ya all need to get a life and Leave Rich's family and life alone. Do you people have nothing better to do in West Virginia? My son plays football and we had a coach leave and coach for Kentucky Wildcats. Good for him. He had to do what he had to do. It is is life not yours or mine to complain about. It is the same thing as a teacher leaving to go teach at another school, good for her. Ya all act like he did something so wrong, WELL HE DIDN'T SO GET OVER IT. I am so sick of hearing about this crap on the news. It is over and done with so get on with something else on the news now.

Posted by: Larry on Jan 5, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Maybe some of the new recruits should look at how he treated his players! I would! Maybe two years down the road you will find out he's leaving you. As a matter of fact I predict it!! Go 'eers.

Posted by: Toni on Jan 5, 2008 at 11:01 AM
We all know that if coach rod had a losing season, some of the loyal WVU fans would want to have him out of here quicker than the Michigan job took him. Probably the same ones who hassle him for the decision.

Posted by: Mrs Stewart on Jan 5, 2008 at 10:53 AM
As a person who's spouse left them for another woman, I can relate it to WV feeling betrayed by RR's "vows" to the state of WV then leaving when MU seemed to offer a more exciting "marriage". Trust me, my ex's mom didn't write me to try and explain her son's stupidity, and that was smart on her part. I've read all these comments and totally agree with them all, he was wrong, he's a traitor, and his family shouldn't pay for it. BUT I also know from my experience that the best revenge is INDIFFERENCE! Our hate and negativity only fuels his ego, so not caring will affect him more We need to move on so we can heal and embrace Coach Stewart. Just like I found a better person as a husband, WVU has a better person as a coach. In the end my ex did me a favor by leaving, so it is with us all and Bill Stewart. With a name like Stewart...he has to be good! Go WVU, go Coach Stew!

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2008 at 09:42 AM
I feel sorry for the family but it's not that Rich is gone it is how he left, he left this young men without a coach, he left this state without a coach, it not why he left it is HOW he left, like a chichen in the night. Like one writer said,"don't take it out on his family, they stayed" Good luck coach Stewart!!!!

Posted by: Roger on Jan 5, 2008 at 09:24 AM
I already bought me a shirt, I guess I should have been more thoughtful--Yea Right!!!!!!!!

Posted by: don on Jan 5, 2008 at 08:41 AM
I am glad Rich Rod went to a bigger school.Praise him for wanting to better himself and family.I thought it was rong to run out on WVU and not coach them in the bowl he help coach them too.But it looks like they may have found a better caoch in Bill.Good luck to all.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 5, 2008 at 05:04 AM
hey proud 2 be a redneck, they had shirts for sale in the huntington mall the other day that said "Fraud-riguez."

Posted by: spanky hamilton on Jan 5, 2008 at 02:59 AM
i hope coach rods mother will read this. thers no love like a mothers love this is so true and i speak for myself on this im truly sorry for all that you have been through nobody knows what a man thinks or feels unless they walk in that persons shoes gods purpose for us is beyond any control of man and coach rod has no reason to explain. instead of being upset he has left we should be thankful for the time we had with him i think you are a wounderful mother for speaking up about this and i agree we spend to much time and money prmoting the wrong things when thers so much more positive things we can do with our money than making a few dollars off of a persons name and causing hardship for someones family i can only speak for myself when i say this god bless you all and my prayers are with you and your family

Posted by: MW on Jan 5, 2008 at 02:20 AM
Can some one tell me why all this bitterness. Last time I went to a football game I went to see the players play the game not watch the coaches walking the side lines. I know that it takes a good coach but you got one so what is the big deal.

Posted by: Chad on Jan 5, 2008 at 01:53 AM
It is so sad that people like bernice post on here saying the Rodriguez family deserves the strife they are getting. No wonder they had to hire the janitor who makes racist comments to his players Head Coach. No one else would risk bringing their family here to deal with you animals.

Posted by: Rhonda on Jan 5, 2008 at 01:43 AM
I think it's wrong for people to make threats, HOWEVER, I love the anti Rod shirts. People have a right to be mad, he stood up, a short year ago and LIED. I will never leave.....yada yada, he's not a man of his word. He is a public figure and he is makes big money. He is also open to the aggravation that goes along with it. His family is not, and should not be treated that way. So lets all buy our anti Rod shirts, support the new guy, and let's support our WV teams! GO EERS! GO HERD!

Posted by: Pete on Jan 5, 2008 at 12:24 AM
Too bad it get down to threatening the family. Frankly I see this as an example of crabs held in a barrel and when one is about to crawl out, the others pull it back in. with the threats against the family, Rodriguez is probably all too glad to get his kids away from that mentality. Hey - you know how you can tell the tooth brush was invented in West Virginia? Because if it was invented anywhere else it would have been called a teeth brush.

Posted by: X. on Jan 5, 2008 at 12:15 AM
I mean people really need to get a hold of themselves on this issue. I mean WVU should thank him for building the team he has built and wish him luck at Michigan. It is like anyother job. He had a chance to move up (to a bigger school) and he is being chastized for it. I mean the WVU fans need to grow up and quit acting like a bunch of idiots! There is no other word for it. It is really no ones business how much he is making. It sounds like WVU got a good replacement. Good god is it really necessary to threaten his family. Grow up and get a life! Coaches come and go all the time!

Posted by: Good Riddance, Fraudriguez on Jan 4, 2008 at 11:21 PM
It would appear that Richy Rich learned to lie from his mother. Her opening sentence about "our family and many, many friends who have contacted us to congratulate us and wish us well on our son's (Coach Rod's) move to Michigan" is about as believable as her son is. I don't think Rodleaveus left for money; I think his ego was so inflated that he thought he could tell the WVU administration what they could do, and could not do. Threats against his family and property are deplorable, to say the least. But the totally classless way he left WVU just before their bowl game shows that his family is in the same class as all other WVU fans- people that Rich just does not care about. What does it say when you leave a school in such a way, and leave your mama behind to take the heat for you? What a gutless, spineless coward. Two signs at the Fiesta Bowl said it all. One said "Hey Rich- three things your money cannot buy- respect, character, and class." Another- "We will NEVER leave you."

Posted by: Aaron on Jan 4, 2008 at 11:14 PM
Don't tell me if you all didn't have the chance to take a better deal that you wouldn't take it. It was better for his career and I think that it was a good decision on his part.

Posted by: Sam on Jan 4, 2008 at 09:44 PM
The real reason is yet to come why Ole Rich Rod left WVU. He left town to fast.

Posted by: proud 2 be a rednecl on Jan 4, 2008 at 08:19 PM
where can i get a shirt?

Posted by: Mike on Jan 4, 2008 at 07:43 PM
This situation is a small example of a big problem in W.Va., in that the population seems to have some ingrained hatred of their own making it big. This mentality of wanting to drag everyone else down with us is a big part of why this whole state ranks dead last in the country in just about every statistic that matters. Enjoy, WVU fans!

Posted by: buck fan on Jan 4, 2008 at 07:29 PM
Is his mommy gonna write a letter to michigan fans when he bails on them?. Won't take long after the bucks runs wild on michigan for three straight years GO BUCKS

Posted by: WVU Fan on Jan 4, 2008 at 07:04 PM
As a mother of two grown sons who played football for a small college in Virginia, I understand Mrs. Rodriguez wanting to defend her son's reputation and actions. I would like to point out to her and those who are so critical of the people/fans of WV that we all felt betrayed by Coach Rod. After he turned down the Alabama position, he assured us that he wanted to stay at WVU as long as we would have him. YES, I understand that most people would like to further their careers but to do so in the manner that he did was very unprofessional. I think the people (fans) of WV would have have been more understanding had he stayed with the team through the bowl game but to walk away under the guise that he being there would be distracting was a weak excuse. What could be more distracting than to tell your team days before the bowl game that you are leaving and would not be their coach on the sidelines!! I taught my sons that when you make a commitment or give your word you honor it. RR did not!!!

Posted by: Rick on Jan 4, 2008 at 07:02 PM
Hey, folks, this is FOOTBALL! Just give all 22 boys on the field a pigskin and send them home. Sports is not news, or is it sports are not news or sports no not news...Whatever the case-In the grand scheme of things, WHO CARES????????

Posted by: BRENT on Jan 4, 2008 at 06:55 PM
MRS.RODRIQUEZ, HERE IS AN IDEA HAVE WHATS HIS NAME MOVE YOU TO MICHIGAN.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 4, 2008 at 06:10 PM
And you wonder why people say WVU are the worst fans in the country? Death threats to family, and destruction of their property is pretty classless and disrespectful, giving WV residents and fans a bad name. He's gone...get over it!!

Posted by: Buckeye 87 on Jan 4, 2008 at 06:08 PM
GO BUCKEYE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Buckeyes all the way......

Posted by: Mike on Jan 4, 2008 at 05:07 PM
What on this green earth did Arleen and children have to do with Rich leaving? These thugs that make these threats and do property damage are real men to have to pick on the man's mother and other family members. Why don't you people grow up and quit being such idiots. If this was your family being treated like this you would not like it to well. Rich is gone... he did not cost you a national championship... he took a better job...you won your bowl game... you have a new head coach... NOW MOVE ON !

Posted by: Donna-Mason County on Jan 4, 2008 at 04:58 PM
Meow...I must have hit a nerve..on some backwoods, bucked tooth sports fan....It's just football honey....get over it!!Again you make us soooo proud....

Posted by: :) on Jan 4, 2008 at 04:17 PM
Hey donna in mason county raise your drug addicted baby and leave the football to us

Posted by: Robert on Jan 4, 2008 at 04:03 PM
It's just football, grown men trying to stop other grown men from getting a ball across a line.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 4, 2008 at 03:19 PM
To lol: This isn't the placeto post political CRAP. SHUT UP!!!

Posted by: judi on Jan 4, 2008 at 02:57 PM
You people crack me up!!!! You think it is ok to harrass his family. The last time I looked, we live in America and we can choose to leave your job if you want!! Coaching is no different than any other job. He has the right to better himself and the BIG 10 is a better conference than the Big East!!!! I am not a fan of WVU because the fans are horrible. I can't even stand to talk to them most of the time. They are so cocky and rude acting. I am sure that there are some out there that don't act so childish but the childish make all of you look bad!!! As a matter of fact they make the whole state look bad! Move on...you got a new coach and from the looks of the bowl game he is gonna do a good job. Leave these people alone...you should be ashamed of yourselves. Mrs. Rod, I hope the abuse stops for your family soon. You don't deserve all of this craziness.

Posted by: Randy on Jan 4, 2008 at 01:24 PM
PURE GREED! Come on the guy was making 2 mil. ayear and he bolted for another half a mil. Pure down right disgusting greed! If he couldn't live and raise a family on the 2 millin we were paying him a year is disgusting. How many of us west virgians make that kind of money and we can still manage to raise our kids. It makes me sick to my stomach!! We love you Bill Stewart! You are a true west virgian and coach!

Posted by: rob on Jan 4, 2008 at 01:23 PM
to laura jean you think were mad at coach rod let ole osama step foot in west by god va. and ssome rednecks gonna be collecting that reward for his head faster than you can say bcs. go eers and go wv!!!!go marshall!!!!!

Posted by: Mich fan on Jan 4, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Guess what? I am a Michigan and WVU fan who happens to live in Ohio. I am glad that we now have a great coach in Michigan. Hope he does as well for us as he did for WVU. I alos hope Stew works out for WVU. I would never blame anybody who took a better job. As much as I have always liked Lloyd Carr, if he went on to coach for another team, I would have been glad to have had him for the time we did and wish him well. I do wish the WV people would stop making themselves look so childish, since I am a West Virginian, born and bred. Go Blue and WVU!!!

Posted by: mark on Jan 4, 2008 at 11:30 AM
I just don't understand the route that led to the departure of Rich Rodriguez. What he claims was his dream job.I sure that Michigan will not play head games like Rich play with WVU.I think what he is going to find out is within the next 2 to 3 years the spread will be common place in College and High school football. Yes, Rich built an offense out of necessity at Glenville, but the bad deal there is Mike Springston had as much influence in the design as Rich. Then Rich left and Springston was left out in the cold. Some what WVU is experiencing at the moment. When Rich let's everyone catch-up with his offense, he will lose it along with a job, support from friends and fellow coach's. He will be spoiled meat with no where to go. Yes Rich is headed for a break down and no parachute. It's his game and in the end he loses. Just a man from a small town in WV who doesn't know a good thing he had.

Posted by: Navy fan on Jan 4, 2008 at 11:30 AM
The 2 teams to cheer for are, WVU and whoever plays against Michigan. Did anyone see the ad on the back page of the season final issue of Wally & Wimpies? United Bank had an ad featuring RR and he said, "I'm committed to this State, and I am glad my bank is too." lol Wear your anti-RR shirts proudly WVU fans!

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 4, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Oh my gosh , leave these people alone. He did what anyone would have done, left for a much larger school and paycheck. Most of us have done the same thing/or would do the same.

Posted by: Tiffany on Jan 4, 2008 at 10:15 AM
When people take football this seriously, they really need help. I realize that it is a huge part of this area, but its not life and death, and there are things that are WAY more important than who is coaching, or how long they stayed, or what game they missed. Justifying actions like this is just wrong, and I think by doing so we are showing just how messed up of a nation we are.

Posted by: Bill on Jan 4, 2008 at 10:04 AM
I'm glad Rich left before the bowl game. We then had a coach with his heart devoted to it and led our team to victory!

Posted by: WVU FAN on Jan 4, 2008 at 09:53 AM
NO ONE SHOULD EVER THREATEN HIM OR HIS FAMILY..HE DID WHAT HE DID..MOVE ON..WE ARE BETTER OFF WITHOUT HIM..HOWEVER SINCE HIS FAILY MENTIONED CHARITY HOW BOUT MR. RODRIGUZ DONATE SOME OF HIS NEW FOUND RICHES TO CHARITIES IN WV..BECAUSE WE ALL KNOW THAT MONEY WAS HIS REASON FOR LEAVING..BUT AGAIN IM GLAD HE IS GONE AND I AM THRILLED TO SEE A MAN LIKE BILL STEWART IN HIS PLACE!

Posted by: Linda on Jan 4, 2008 at 09:38 AM
I am not a football fan but did listen to the coverage on the news. I can't fault the coach for taking the new position, although, no matter what he says, it most likely is only about the money. What I do fault him on is leaving the team before the bowl game. That was wrong. I don't understand how Michigan can trust him not to do the same thing to them. I feel certain that, if the money was right, he would leave them in an instant!!!!!

Posted by: Rod on Jan 4, 2008 at 09:19 AM
So move to Michigan like your money grubbing son. I suspect Richy Rich can afford you as his guest. However, I would not recommend getting too comfortable. As soon as he loses to the Buckeyes he'll be unemployed.

Posted by: Shari on Jan 4, 2008 at 08:59 AM
I was upset the way that Rod treated WVU. However, it's ridiculous to harass his family because of it. Death threats and destroying property? It's not worth that at all. Grow up, people. You're not children anymore. He did what he did, and that's it. We can't change it. So please don't harasss his family. It's not their fault that he left WVU. Leave them alone and move on.

Posted by: Debbie on Jan 4, 2008 at 07:59 AM
I think if he's had waited til after the bowl game, folks might not have been so upset with him. Pretty chincy thing to do, but that doesn't excuse threatening his family. That's carrying things WAY too far.

Posted by: Buckeyefan on Jan 4, 2008 at 07:54 AM
Id Like to start by saying WVU Fans your Program will still be very successful without Rod! 1 man doesnt make a "TEAM". You know its not really the fact of him leaving as much as it was how he did it and when. I think NCAA should make it mandatory that ALL negotiations of any type between schools and coaches should be held till the end of all seasons including bowl games. Rumor has it Michigan will take care of the $4 mill. for Rich. If this is true whats the use to file suit? Except to get money returned to WVU. I think if a coach has made it to a bowl game of this stature then he should be made to stay and honor his duties with that school. I think this was a very COWARDLY and Selfish move in Rods part and only shows what kind of MAN not coach he truly is. WVU hope to see you and the Bucks in the bcs title next year. GO STEWART!!!!

Posted by: RoaneCo. on Jan 4, 2008 at 06:46 AM
I didn't want Nim-Rod hired to start with and I am very happy that he left. It is not his leaving that upsets me, it is the way he left!! The way he did the school and the team was uncalled for. He should have acted like a coach, a leader, a role model and a MAN but instead he acted like the little rich spoiled brat that he is. Maybe his mother should have raised him better.

Posted by: Kathy on Jan 4, 2008 at 06:45 AM
Well, I understand her defending her son. She SHOULD. Any mother would. I would. HOWEVER, that being said, it doesn't change my mind in the least about "Rod" and what he did to those kids. He could have left AFTER the game although NOW? I think he did them a HUGE favor because they used that hurt & anger he inflicted on them to fuel their energy/intensity. I haven't seen them play with such intensity and since of purpose as well as fun for MANY YEARS! AND I believe that Stewart was the MAN for that game so thanks Rod! You DID do something good for those kids after all even IF you didn't intend to which was obvious by your put-downs about THEM, WVU and WV just as soon as your feet hit Michigan soil in your 1st press conference. I and most WVU as well as residents of WV period will NEVER forget what Rod did to those KIDS! THEY deserved better if WVU did not! He hurt THEM. I hate that some idiots are threatening or harrassing hid family/parents though. It's not THEIR faults

Posted by: rob on Jan 4, 2008 at 06:31 AM
the only thing i was and still am upset about is not that he left but he still has not got on public tv and make a statement to any of the wv people not im sorry if he was any type of a man with balls he would have and still would make a statement directly to the w v people who did support him as a man i dont know if it would do any good now but it still the right thing to do who knows if he shows his face and has a statement things might stop to his family at least rod give your family peace from all thos people who are tormented them you dont have to love wv or the people here anymore but at least show your love for your family they deserve it

Posted by: anonymous on Jan 4, 2008 at 06:14 AM
Am I the only one that has a problem with the amount of money that is being talked about. Don't get me wrong I am probably the biggest sports fan alive but when one sits back and looks at the money that is being spent on sports, it is ridiculous. We wonder why our kids (or us as parents) are paying so much for a college education or that our kids graduate with such astronomical debts! But we justify millions for a football coach!!!!! It's a crying shame! I really don't care what happened here with the exception that I do feel that it was very low for Rich to do this to a team right before the championship game. But it looks like Coach Stewart and the boys proved that the coach isn't the team! Congrats to the Mountaineers and here's to many winning seasons!

Posted by: tim on Jan 4, 2008 at 03:30 AM
first all leave family alone.people need stop acting big babies.coaches come and go so what.this isnt first time coach has left some place after signing contract.all this reminds of how ky fans are.this is reason i hate sports anymore especially collage.inclosing grow up its just football team.

Posted by: lol on Jan 4, 2008 at 01:55 AM
hillary in 08

Posted by: junior88fan on Jan 4, 2008 at 01:44 AM
I don't have a problem with him trying to better himself, even though he had stated that he wanted to retire from WVU,and had signed a multi year contract. My problem is he abandoned his team and the players who looked up to him. If he had wanted to coach the team in the bowl game, I wouldn't have had such strong feelings, but in my opinion, he is just like a parent who walks out on their children. Because he walked out on his team. I am glad that WVU hired Bill Stewart and I think from everything the players have said about him, he is the right person to show them respect and class, which obviously rich didn't have either of.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 3, 2008 at 11:28 PM
Will Bill Stewart be able to run the program when Calvin Mcgee is gone to Michigan? I do understand that Bill coached the bowl game but I do know that Mcgee called the plays. What happens when Mcgee leaves?

Posted by: Lisa on Jan 3, 2008 at 11:19 PM
Thank God for Sports, cause if not our drug and crime problem would come to an end! If you all would use it for greater good instead of evil! but why would we want to do that?

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 3, 2008 at 11:11 PM
Wow! I would love to see people get this upset over the crime, drugs and killers in our area! If all of the WV's that have ran there mouths about this stupid issue, would speak out about REAL issues that WV, and Kentucky are dealing with; Man, just imagine what could be done! But ya know Coach Rod's choice is so much more damage that guns pointed to innocent people, mother's loosing their children, and being awakin to shots being fired, but your right, Let's stay focused on the real issue at hand, So shame on

Posted by: george on Jan 3, 2008 at 10:52 PM
He is allowed to change jobs..yes. He is obligated to repay the 4 million his contract stipulates. He broke his contract and now he has to pay the price. Sorry Arleen and CLAIRE!!! If any other person left their job, they have to live up to the stipulations of the contract. That is life. What kind of lesson does it teach young men to try to weasel out of a contract. Not a lesson ol Billy Stewart would teach!! That I promise you

Posted by: lastrebelwva on Jan 3, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Yea, we have two teams to cheer for, How Bout Them Eers! And as much as it pains me, one day a year; GO BUCKEYES!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: To mom on Jan 3, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Mom, can you write a letter to my old employer because they were mean to me. And NO we only have one team to cheer for WVU. Get real mama Rod - we will ONLY cheer for WVU. Sorry bout' us Rednecks - cant help it, we are very territorial. Oh, and mama Rod - what is the real reason he left?? not just the $$$$ was it???

Posted by: Laura Jean on Jan 3, 2008 at 10:48 PM
I wonder if Stewart was called the same names when he left VMI and the Canadian Football League? Doubt it. those people have more class and realize it's just a coach not a declaration of war. Why don't people in WV get this mad at Osama? GROW UP PEOPLE! Get over it and leave the poor family of Rich alone. Geash........Glad I'm not from WV or I'd have to be embarassed to admit it!

Posted by: Grow up on Jan 3, 2008 at 10:39 PM
Why do fans think RR owes them anything. The program is in much better shape when he is leaving than it was when he arrived. He got the program to a level that it can challenge year after year instead of once every 10 years. As bad as you don't want to admit it the Michigan job is a much better job than WV. That is just the facts. Where were all these people last year when Coach Thuggins did the exact same thing to K-State. He tried to get all of his recruits to come to M-town just like RR tried to get his to come to Michigan. Move on and focus on the recruiting season and get ready for next year. I can assure you that is what Coach Rod is doing.

Posted by: I KNOW WHY on Jan 3, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Look here the TRAITOR has mommy defending him....Well mommy we and most in Morgantown know why he left...Right TRAITOR?...I wished WSAZ would go to Morgantown and ask questions..TRAITOR you know what were talkin about...I thought it was against the law...isn't it? So tell them it wasn't just for money..Others know...The reason why the TRAITOR doesn't want it out is because NO school would hire him. That's all I will say for now but I do hope WSAZ will investigate, I'll respond more later.

Posted by: WVU FAN on Jan 3, 2008 at 10:31 PM
I do agree nobody should do harm to anyone over HIM. Anf now we can look to the future and go on with our heads held high after the bowl game. He is old news. However that said I am not upset about him leaving it may be great opportunity, but a respectful person does not just say to heck eith you all I am leaving today and I won't be here for you in two weeks at a bowl game. BYE! That is completely disrespectful not to us but to those guys who give him 110% every time. Thats wrong. He could have left but do it with class and have feelings for your players and their families. They are the ones who were hurt. I support the players FIRST and they make the team. They showed their strength on Jan 2. LET'S GO MOUNTAINEERS!

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 3, 2008 at 10:24 PM
I also have 2 teams to cheer for on gameday 1-WVU 2-whatever team is playing Michigan that day! AS far as you stating to give money to charity well, how about ole'Rich giving the $4 million to WVU like he is supposed to! Maybe he should make his contribution since he is so admirable!

Posted by: candy lynn on Jan 3, 2008 at 10:13 PM
i agree it is not right for any one to threated any kids even coach rod it wasnt the kids who back stab and hurt the boys and there fans the way coach did his boys was not right and it is not right to threated the kids but coach rod mom you have to under stand coach rod bring any thing coming to him on his self he has no one to blame but him self and to have his mom to cry for him you have to undet stand where wvu is coming from if coach rod didnt want what was said about him what is going on then he should have thought befor he did what he did it had nothing about leaving the wvu team or school it is the way he done it alied shame on you coach rod are you proud of your self if i was you quiet crying to mom and face up to what you did and put your face down in shame and any one sticks up for coach rod shame on you too

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 3, 2008 at 10:00 PM
What? R U kidding me? "No, I'm sorry sir(Michigan) I don't want more money thanks anyway!" You all are cazy! Hey Mark, there is only so much a mom can take, and she has shown more class than I would have! I would and U would too. Put your big boy pants on and get over it! And Mr. Stewart can walk on water.......right now......

Posted by: Donna-Mason County on Jan 3, 2008 at 09:48 PM
Nothing like uneducated, spiteful, vindictive and judgemental people making a name for West Virginia..you really make us proud....attacking his family..your pathetic

Posted by: Tired of all the coach hoopla on Jan 3, 2008 at 09:40 PM
It's a shame we care more about who coaches a football team than who is running our country. How many people are putting this much effort into the up coming elections.

Posted by: Its a game!!! on Jan 3, 2008 at 09:32 PM
I for one don't see what the big deal is. If you had a chance to take a better paying job, wouldn't you do it? When a college athlete wants to transfer to another college, do you bash him for leaving? Its a game people. Since when did a game of football, or its head coach become the only important thing in life? Whomever has a problem with this man's actions,must not have a life. I just can't figure out why anyone would want to make such a big deal out of it. The next time I hear of an NFL or MLB player going to another team, I think I might just stand up and protest. Don't be so pathetic people, & leave his family out of it. Get a life.

Posted by: anonymous on Jan 3, 2008 at 09:27 PM
I think he is a liar and he knows exactly why he left and it's all about the "benjamins". He's money hungry and selfish he stood in front of the state last year and said "I love WV and I will not leave, this is where I want to retire". He must have that speech copywrighted because I watched his press conference at MU and he said almost the exact same speech, maybe he should be a politician he is a great liar and loves money(not tradition or respect).He thought he should not coach the bowl because it would draw attention to him he said. Bull! Nobody really wanted to see him there anyway that game was the best all year and we did not need HIM! When he does get fired I hope he likes his life because he will not be welcome in Mountaineer Country that is for sure. Good luck in MU Rich. Don't let the door hit you on the way out. As far as people stating we are rednecks, well yes there are plenty here and you may want one of them to cover your back one day. I love the shirts, it's FREE SPEECH,

Posted by: DIANNA on Jan 3, 2008 at 09:08 PM
bill stewart was that new window,,,at least he's honest good man,thats not a cheater or quitter,,,we love you COACH ,,,whatever to you rich,stay where your at,dont come back it's clear we DONT NEED YOU

Posted by: tom on Jan 3, 2008 at 09:04 PM
TWO teams to cheer for? Get real Momma Rod. Wish you and yours no harm or grief, but ain't no way we'ze a rooten for MI..

Posted by: Rob on Jan 3, 2008 at 08:52 PM
I have no problem with him leaving, but if you raised your child right have him live up to his contract and pay WVU the $4 million he owes. Don't make the university sue that looks bad on his part. He needs all the good PR he can get right now.

Posted by: Mary on Jan 3, 2008 at 08:44 PM
IT is truly a Sad day when a Coach of a football team is made out to be the Devil himself because he takes another Job!

Posted by: Kim on Jan 3, 2008 at 08:43 PM
Are you kidding? "We now have two teams to cheer for." Coach Rod's mom has lost her mind.

Posted by: morgan on Jan 3, 2008 at 08:26 PM
rich is a trader. he was prob. just mad cause we lost agaisnt PITT well we will do better without him(:

Posted by: Steve on Jan 3, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Mrs. Rodriguez; I agree 100% that threats and property damage are uncalled for. The Anti-Rod shirts are individual choices. Your son turned his back on West Virginia only a few months after signing a contract. What were his reasons? I don't know but I do know he is the one responsible for the feelings that the people of West Virginia has. No Ma'am, "we" do not have two teams to root for. You do.

Posted by: Angela on Jan 3, 2008 at 08:12 PM
To FRank: REdnecks are in every state, not only in WV...I agree that we dont need to make ourselves look bad by taking our emotions out on others, big deal, he's gone, we have a new coach and things are always turn for the good in the long run..Good luck WVU

Posted by: Kathy on Jan 3, 2008 at 07:52 PM
I’m sorry that people have threatened Rich Rod’s family. I do not feel that his family should get blamed for his shortcomings. Arleen stated that "It was deplorable that our family, especially the children, have been threatened and property damaged". I think it is deplorable that Rod betrayed his team by leaving them coachless before there bowl game. It amazes me that someone could just walk out on there team like that, but it didn’t matter, because WVU didn’t need Rich Rod to take them to the Fiesta Bowl, the team won with flying colors and if Rich Rod would have been there he probably would of thrown the game like he did at Pitt. Bill Stewart has something that Rich Rod will never have and that is class.

Posted by: Jamie on Jan 3, 2008 at 07:23 PM
frank, you obviously dont know your west virginia history... the term "redneck" you loosely throw around is not a term associated with people making threats and acting childish...

Posted by: Claire on Jan 3, 2008 at 07:19 PM
All I can say is many people are out of control. If you are offered double the salary to move and take a new job, you know that you would also make the move. We all have to look out for ourselves and the betterment of our families. As someone already mentioned, as one door closes another opens and it looks like the new door that opened could be much better than the one that was closed. Chill and celebrate the WVU victory with the new head coach.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 3, 2008 at 06:49 PM
well now that rich rod is gone i have 2 teams to cheer for first our beloved mountaineers which i wanna say congrats on crushing oklahoma and i will also cheer for whoever plays michigan even though i have always hated michigan i will now cheer against them more then ever o and btw thanks for coach stewart a coach who can "WIN THE BIG GAMES"

Posted by: Paul on Jan 3, 2008 at 05:51 PM
What a wonderful win for West Virginia. Make that two wins with naming of Bill Stewart as head coach....

Posted by: john on Jan 3, 2008 at 05:26 PM
Pay Coach Stewart the same salary that Coach Rod was making.He is up front,honest and down to earth person.

Posted by: Bernice on Jan 3, 2008 at 05:11 PM
Give me a break; does anyone really think that "his reasons to move on are known only to him?" I'm sure he wouldn't just up and quit and pull up stakes without telling dear ol' Mom why. Of course, I don't expect her to reveal anything he said. I just wish the whole Rodriguez family would quit acting like *they* were wronged. While I don't agree with property damage or violence, as far as I am concerned, Rodriguez brought this on himself and his family with his dishonesty, obvious greed, and unabashed classlessness. He and Nick Saban are a discredit to college football, and I would have said the same thing about Butch Jones of Central Michigan had he been hired by WVU. This nonsense of coaches leaving after one year into a contract needs to stop.

Posted by: Mel on Jan 3, 2008 at 05:06 PM
I also think it deplorable that anyone would threaten her family or damaged their property . But I do feel betrayed by Rich like many others. Not that he moved on, but the way he moved on. I don't wish any harm to the family, but I would buy and wear an anti-FRodriguez shirt!

Posted by: Mark on Jan 3, 2008 at 04:58 PM
I wish my mommy would make nice for every job I leave.

Posted by: c on Jan 3, 2008 at 04:53 PM
RICH HAVE FUN AT MICHIGAN IM SURE YOUR TENURE THERE WILL BE SHORT ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU LOSE TO OHIO STATE 3 YRS IN A ROW AND THEY FIRE YOUR BUTT BECAUSE AFTER ALL YOU ARE THE CHOKE ARTIST JUST ASK PITT. ASK YOURSELF THIS ROD HOW CAN A TEAM LOSE TO PITT AND THEN BEAT OKLAHOMA LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND YOU WILL FIND THE ANSWER.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 3, 2008 at 04:53 PM
C A T S CATS CATS GO BIG BLUE

Posted by: mountaineerpride9 on Jan 3, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Certainly a shame that the hurt and sadness felt for the *way* rich turned his back on us is being manifested in anger and hostility toward his family left behind. They are not responsible for the way Rich ultimately conducts himself as an adult. Leave his family alone, the few of you that do that make the rest of us look bad. What you are really angry at is that Rodriguez snubbed his state and his alma matter. A man who has not character or integrity should not have the ability to command such emotion from those of you who are doing what you are doing to his family. As for the shirts, Rich earned them. If you want to buy them, I for one say buy them. He has earned the right to be critiqued because of HOW he turned his back on WVU and his players. HOW he called the recruits before anyone else. HOW he is trying to get out of contract. HOW he lied to many. Its not about the WHAT, its about the HOW and he earned the right to be critiqued. I for one think he has no true character.

Posted by: mags on Jan 3, 2008 at 04:28 PM
I agree his family should be left out of this it was not their choice to make. The t-shirts are kind of funny however....

Posted by: rick on Jan 3, 2008 at 04:26 PM
Arleen Rodriquez makes more sense than all of espn's talking heads put together. The man chose to change his job and we all would expect to have the same right.

Posted by: Frank on Jan 3, 2008 at 04:22 PM
I think the term for those making threats and acting childish is "rednecks." There are too many in WV. Don't take it out on Rich's family. They didn't leave WV he did.

Posted by: Mteer on Jan 3, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Yes a new window did open and we can see the wonderful Bill Stewart through it.

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