July 28, 2011 - 6:49pm
Coleman, regents silent on football investigation
BY KYLE SWANSON
Contrary to her standard press availability after University Board of Regents meetings, University President Mary Sue Coleman sprung from her chair as she gaveled yesterday’s regents’ meeting to a close, before briskly leaving the room through a side door.
An internal audit of Michigan’s football program was released during the meeting, which revealed that the football team had failed to properly file internal practice logs.
Though no reason was given for Coleman’s speedy exit, University spokeswoman Kelly Cunningham confirmed that Coleman would not be available to answer any questions. However, Cunningham told several members of the media that Coleman continues to support Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez.
Though regents did not leave the room as quickly as Coleman, Board of Regents Chair Andrew Richner (R–Grosse Pointe Park) made it abundantly clear during the meeting that the regents would not answer questions or comment on NCAA investigation of the Michigan football program.
“I want to say on behalf of the Board that we have been well-informed about the status of the investigation,” Richner said.
However, Richner said on advice from the University’s Office of the General Counsel, regents would not offer comment on the investigation.
According to a report by AnnArbor.com, Coleman met with Rodriguez for lunch on Monday to signal her support for the embattled coach. Asked about the lunch meeting, University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald said he could not confirm whether the meeting had ever occurred.
