Stapleton goes off on JUB
We all remember that Stapleton was rumored (by JUB) to be behind the "sign-stealing" leaks as an attempt to dispose of Harbaugh, whom he was allegedly angry was hired instead of Ron English.
Consider the iffy source on X, but if authentic, Stapleton seems just the LEAST bit unhinged.
[ED-- Link Redacted. Twitter user linked just steals stuff from message boards, in this case from Balas. I've seen the email and yes it's real. Since I have it independently I'll share the most relevant portion:
The silver lining in our strategy was it forced him to either spend money or, call in a favor he could have used on something else with the firm he retained to explain the rationale behind his grossly unprofessional behavior. And, it also succeeded in his lawyer putting in writing his intent to never mention me again by name (which only time will tell if he adheres to). That the individual could not have cared less about the effect his comments had on documented threats on my personal safety, as well as attacks on my integrity and character (all of which my lawyer explained in our letter) was unfortunate but, only confirmed exactly how bad a person this man is
Also, yes, Stapleton is unhinged. I don't know if admitting malice towards a member of the press corps is grounds to permanently remove Stapleton from any association with Michigan Athletics, but the sooner that happens the better. -Seth]
TL;DR: JUB accuses JS of the leaks. JS is angry and sends JUB a cease-and-desist letter. JUB responds that he is entitled to his opinion, but will not again name JS by name. JS drops a bunch of UM AD names who say they like him. JS loves Warde and is happy with the Moore hire.
February 15th, 2024 at 11:47 AM ^
MichiganNation2 is not a reliable source
February 15th, 2024 at 11:49 AM ^
Seconded. They're a terrible, terrible, terrible source. They've been caught completely making shit up numerous times.
Mods should really delete this.
February 15th, 2024 at 12:26 PM ^
And Isaiah Hole vouched for them and tonnorscalions multiple times. Interesting that both that twitter account and the “insiders” were wrong time and time again
February 15th, 2024 at 11:49 AM ^
They blow and are hacks.
February 15th, 2024 at 11:53 AM ^
Finally just muted/blocked them when they were completely wrong over and over.
February 15th, 2024 at 12:15 PM ^
They actually blocked me for repeatedly commenting things they were incorrect about lol
February 15th, 2024 at 1:42 PM ^
I would trust MichiganNation2 to know what a cease and desist letter looks like, at least.
February 15th, 2024 at 1:47 PM ^
MichighanNation2 blocked me when I pointed out that he was wrong about JJ and Harbaugh announcing their return at the NC ceremony. And that was only one thing of many things he was wrong about.
February 15th, 2024 at 1:51 PM ^
this. this person just steals what's behind paywalls and reports it as his own
February 15th, 2024 at 2:09 PM ^
MichiganNation2 isn't a reliable source, but the email from Stapleton is real. I saw a copy of it on Tuesday night and I think Balas posted it to his message board yesterday. That's probably where this twitter account got it from.
February 15th, 2024 at 4:07 PM ^
That account went from completely making stuff up, to sharing paywalled content. So he’s become more “accurate,” but only by stealing paywalled info from Webb/Hole/Henschke/Balas
February 15th, 2024 at 3:13 PM ^
Dumbassery at its finest - I think it was when Minter left MichiganNation2 tweeted that Jim Harbaugh should be banned from AA.
February 15th, 2024 at 11:50 AM ^
Don't turn a one day story into a 6 month story
February 15th, 2024 at 1:42 PM ^
Strange (or not) that the first name drop by Stapleton (if this is legit) is Bruce Madej... who of course is good friends with JUB. It's like elementary school antics of "we're better friends and talk shit about you behind your back."
February 15th, 2024 at 2:13 PM ^
That should tell you how many friends Stapleton has left, that the first name drop is literally the friendliest person in Michigan football. Even Jim Tressel says Madej's his dude.
February 15th, 2024 at 11:21 PM ^
Had a legendary set at the Bacon roast too
February 15th, 2024 at 11:52 AM ^
Pat Forde is a respected, credible journalist? On what planet?
February 15th, 2024 at 1:14 PM ^
LOVETRON!
February 15th, 2024 at 11:53 AM ^
You guys see this story that The Original Cottage Inn is closed and will become a totally different pizza place? Looks like the other satellite locations will continue to operate, though.
February 15th, 2024 at 11:55 AM ^
The original cottage inn is completely separate from the franchise restaurants.
RIP to arguably the best Ann Arbor restaurant.
February 15th, 2024 at 12:19 PM ^
Even the table bread and oil/pepper was INCREDIBLE
February 15th, 2024 at 12:41 PM ^
I think about the fried artichokes at LEAST once a week.
February 15th, 2024 at 12:41 PM ^
I always liked Cottage Inn, but "best Ann Arbor restaurant"? Seems like a stretch
February 15th, 2024 at 1:21 PM ^
Just tried Buddy's Pizza on A2- Saline Rd and give two thumbs up.
Also tried the Filling Station for the first time ( for my vegan and gluten free friends) and was also impressed. Their sister restaurant Lunch Room on North Campus/ Huron Towers is highly recommended.
February 15th, 2024 at 1:58 PM ^
When I had my office in Nickels Arcade back in the '90s, the original Cottage Inn a block away on William was a frequent stop on my way home after a late night in the office. Their pizza baked in their wood-fired oven was fantastic, and was reasonably-priced, too. It was a really comfortable place with good food that wouldn't break your wallet.
February 15th, 2024 at 10:06 PM ^
I lived across the street from the Cottage Inn on E WIlliam in Tower Plaza for three years. That pizza was incredible, especially hot out of the oven.
February 15th, 2024 at 11:55 AM ^
That's really a shame, I've got some fond memories of going there for date nights when I was younger.
February 15th, 2024 at 12:08 PM ^
Same here. It's been a while, but I liked to hit the original location for dinner when in town for a game or a concert.
February 15th, 2024 at 12:01 PM ^
Damn.
February 15th, 2024 at 12:08 PM ^
Ugh. That sucks.
February 15th, 2024 at 12:25 PM ^
Right? Someone needs to open up a new restaurant in town somewhere that serves Angelo's hollandaise and French toast in the morning, and then original Cottage Inn the rest of the day.
Edit: to clarify, I don't want the hollandaise on the French toast. They should both be available, but as separate items.
February 15th, 2024 at 1:12 PM ^
Thank you for clarifying! I was starting to vom just a bit.
February 15th, 2024 at 1:28 PM ^
Their Eggs bennie was the bomb. The slice of green pepper /Bread put it light years above other breakfast joints
February 15th, 2024 at 2:27 PM ^
Great idea. We'll call it Memory Lane. We'll buy recipes from closed local restaurants, sell merch, etc. Nostalgia is so hot right now.
February 15th, 2024 at 11:53 AM ^
Bacon went on radio in Columbus ? On surface, this sounds more like attempted dissent by OSU people here.
February 15th, 2024 at 11:56 AM ^
Not reading through any of that but on your last paragraph... JS reportedly hates Jim Harbaugh. Jim Harbaugh is gone to the NFL so of course he's happy. Mission accomplished for him.
February 15th, 2024 at 12:50 PM ^
I dont think for a second it's a conspiracy because I dont think the individual actors got together to discuss strategy but it's pretty clear to me that virtually EVERYONE other that us Michigan fans wanted Jimmy James Harbaugh out of college coaching and were each working to see that happen.
The NCAA for all things he did like satellite camps, overseas trips and his very public support of paying student athletes
The SEC and by proxy ESPN for upsetting the SEC power dynamic
The B1G for upsetting the OSU and their minion schools by beating them three straight years
OSU for not being able to claim continual B1G dominance anymore
Jim Stapleton because........
Warde Manual because Jim is hard to manage
Jim's agent because he makes more commission with an NFL contract
It really wasnt "Michigan vs everybody" if we're being honest. It was "Harbaugh vs everybody"
February 15th, 2024 at 2:00 PM ^
Harbaugh was the first to say athletes should be allowed to transfer once without sitting out and called out the hypocrisy of some players getting waivers and some not. That eventually led to enough public outrage the NCAA created the transfer portal.
Then he said the players should be paid. They would not sit around this time and let that happen after the last time he rocked the boat.
February 15th, 2024 at 3:41 PM ^
I still don't see why so many people disliked him (aside from our rivals)... aside from the player pay issue (which is a larger and more complex issue than just for the ncaa - and not something Jim took a firm public stance on until recently), why should the ncaa care about anything else he did?
February 15th, 2024 at 11:57 AM ^
Looking forward to JUB next book about all of this. Should make for an interesting title.
February 15th, 2024 at 12:03 PM ^
A detailed account of the past three or four seasons would be a great read.
February 15th, 2024 at 12:20 PM ^
and Stapleton not suing him because it's all true
February 15th, 2024 at 1:00 PM ^
I like his books for the facts, but he really needs to learn to use fewer words.
February 15th, 2024 at 1:47 PM ^
Yeah words are the worst.
February 15th, 2024 at 2:46 PM ^
Bacon came out of this smelling like a guy who needs attention, for my money. I always had a soft spot for him, but. . . kind of a local hero, and straining just a bit in recent times. This kind of spat. . . he might have done better to stay clear of. Especially politically, when it looks like Warde's hand, in the short run, has been strengthened.
I love Jim, but he was. . . high maintenance. People can be forgiven for thinking that we navigated some pretty perilous waters there, and--like it or not--Warde's going to get some credit.
Stapleton, meanwhile, protesteth overmuch, which is sometimes a tell. He's a fairly smooth character, and may not be going anywhere. We dodged a bullet with Ron English, but wanting him for coach wasn't really a crime.
February 15th, 2024 at 11:59 AM ^
Brunch drive see by the idk be insulting cried still hand be enjoy.
February 15th, 2024 at 12:37 PM ^
Are you having a stroke?