I think Dantonio quit before the NCAA (and the Feds!) get him for his knowledge of the Larry Nassar case. And the same fate could happen to Tom Izzo, the college’s men’s basketball coach.
Here is the letter he released yesterday, with emphasis added by me:
Dear Spartans:Today marks one of the most difficult decisions that I have ever made here at Michigan State.
I would first like to thank our fans, alumni, and our administration; both past and present staff and especially our current and past players and coaches for all their support, hard work and dedication over these past 13 years. You have truly helped make my dreams come true.
Every February since 2007, I have reset this program in preparation for the next year's challenges. After much reflection and discussion with my family, I feel that it is now time for change as we enter into a new decade of Michigan State Football.
I have told our players on many occasions that "Michigan State is bigger than any one person. Someday there will be someone else here talking to you from this podium." That day has come.
There have been so many amazing life moments in the last 13 years. When I reflect, I think of our Big Ten Championship games, our Big Ten Championships, the big games, the playoffs, the bowl wins, the moments, the milestones, the graduates, the NFL opportunities and finally, and perhaps most importantly, the relationships made.
This job has always been a 24/7, 365 day-a-year position. There is no down time and it is filled with the demands and challenges of managing games, players, coaches, recruits, donors, staff, media, an enthusiastic fan base and competition at the very highest level. I will miss it all but feel the sacrifices that I have made away from my family must now become my priority at this time in my life.
My plan is to stay on within the university and athletic department in a role involving special projects, especially transitioning our players, both current and incoming, to their next challenges.
It has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve as the head football coach at Michigan State University. I will forever be a Spartan.
Go Green!
I think Dantonio quit before the NCAA (and the Feds!) get him for his knowledge of the Larry Nassar case. And the same fate could happen to Tom Izzo, the college’s men’s basketball coach.
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Nassar’s horrible actions were not associated in any way with football or basketball. He was an employee of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, specializing in sports medicine for women athletes. The dean of the College, Dr. William Strampel, was fired and found guilty of felony misconduct for failing to properly supervise and enforce restrictions on Nassar’s exam procedures.
You have been sucked in by an outrageous series of reports by ESPN that falsely attempted to link Nassar with Coach Izzo and Coach Dantonio.