Univ. of Michigan President Mark Schlissel on Monday criticized the academic performance of athletes, and while he "did a two-step backpedal" on Tuesday, the issue still "clearly bothers" him, according to Jeff Seidel of the DETROIT FREE PRESS. Schlissel on Monday said, "We admit students who aren't as qualified, and it's probably the kids that we admit that can't honestly, even with lots of help, do the amount of work and the quality of work it takes to make progression from year to year." He added of his search for former AD Dave Brandon's successor, "That's why I'm taking a bit of time with the search for Dave's successor. I want to take the time to make sure we get someone who is not only technically adept, but can ensure that the program has financial and academic integrity, and also someone who shares the value system of realizing our mission." But Schlissel on Tuesday "apologized to football coach Brady Hoke" and interim AD Jim Hackett. Hoke yesterday said, "We try and recruit the best football players, the best student-athletes and people that fit the blueprint here at Michigan." Seidel writes Schlissel "is not a sports guy" but rather a "trained scientist." He "is clearly intelligent, but he has virtually no experience with big-time college athletics." Seidel: "Will Schlissel strive to raise the admission standards of athletes to bring it more in line with the rest of the student population? What will he value more: winning or graduation rates?" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 11/13).
TAKE ALL THE TIME THAT'S NEEDED: In Michigan, Nick Baumgardner wrote when it comes to college athletics, Schlissel -- "admittedly -- has a lot to learn." The "biggest thing on Schlissel and Michigan's plate is a lights-out" AD hire. Schlissel said that he "wants to take his time with this hire, and he should." Michigan "shouldn't sprint out the door." It instead "should conduct a national, thorough search for a person who is able to get this place on firm ground again." UM "needs to fix more than just football." It "needs a firm bridge between its athletic department and the rest of the university" (MLIVE.com, 11/13).
