DFP
AWKWARD ADDRESS: U-M coach Rich Rodriguez addresses fans over Buckeye boos
February 18, 2008
BY MARK SNYDER
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
New Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez learned Sunday that he can't escape Ohio State.
Holding a microphone while standing with his family at center court at Crisler Arena at halftime of the Michigan-
OSU basketball game, Rodriguez received a thunderous ovation from the hometown crowd.
But a small group of Ohio State fans in the last rows of the arena made the moment a bit awkward, chanting "Tressel" and holding a bedsheet with "1,548 Days" written on it -- the period since U-M's last football victory over the Buckeyes in 2003. "I hope you guys up there enjoy your seats," Rodriguez said with a smile as U-M fans booed the scarlet-clad contingent.
Ushers moved in to quiet the
OSU group, and as Rodriguez wound down his speech, the "Maize Rage" cheering section cranked up a "Beat the Buckeyes" chant.
Cont...