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Sweet(s) Talk: Bo’s legacy forever tarnished; Iron Mountain readies for Macker

Some interesting developments coming out of Ann Arbor, with the son of legendary University of Michigan head football coach Bo Schembechler, Matt Schembechler, bringing to public light the accusations that his father knew about former team doctor, Dr. Robert Anderson, sexually abusing players during routine medical exams.

As reported by the Associated Press, in a report commissioned by the university and released in May, Schembechler was vividly told by at least four people that Robert Anderson had molested them during routine physicals or other exams. Yet, the report says, he took no direct steps and even told one man to “toughen up.” Gee, isn’t that terrific.

The Associated Press quoted Matt Schembechler as saying “Anderson was supported by a culture that placed the reputation of the university above the health and safety of the students.” Matt Schembechler, who said he was 10 when Anderson abused him during a physical for youth football, informed his father, who was then in his first year of his iconic run with the Wolverines. Bo Schembechler, his son said, became enraged and punched him in the chest. “That is the culture that made my father a legend and placed his statue in front of Schembechler Hall,” he said.

A statue for someone who never won a national championship — interesting concept. The same coach who produced the same amount of Heisman Trophy winners as national championships. The same coach who had a 5-12 overall bowl record including 2-8 in the Rose Bowl. Although he did have a winning record versus arch rival Ohio State (11-9-1) in 21 seasons. Bo led the Wolverines from 1969-89 and won 194 games at the school. The Wolverines won or shared 13 Big Ten football championships during his career as coach.

Of course, the coach in khakis that leads the Wolverines now hasn’t come close to beating the Buckeyes in six tries, and hasn’t one a single Big 10 East Division title, let alone conference title. Maybe that’s why there’s a statue of Bo.

Speaking of coach Jim Harbaugh, there was a credible report released recently of him publicly dismissing the Dr. Anderson situation and defending Schembechler, saying — I’ll paraphrase — “Things like that didn’t happen when I was playing for Coach Bo!” Oh really? They weren’t? Simply because they didn’t happen to you, doesn’t mean they didn’t or weren’t happening.

All that’s missing when things like that are said, are the three circus rings some elephants and a guy on a unicycle juggling flaming bowling pins.

As many of you reading this already probably know, I am a Michigan State fan, so I am fairly certain that my opinion on this matter will be taken with a grain of salt or dismissed, but that’s OK. Because most Michigan fans will point to the Dr. Larry Nasser situation on the MSU campus as a reason I, or any Sparty fan, shouldn’t have an opinion on this matter; well perhaps I shouldn’t for that reason, but I do and here it is:

A bronze statue of former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno was removed from outside the school’s stadium in 2012 after his former assistant coach, Jerry Sandusky, was convicted of child sexual abuse and an investigation accused Paterno and other former administrators of covering up complaints about Sandusky.

If the same thing happens in Ann Arbor, and there ends up being 100% solid evidence of the same heinous type actions by Coach Bo, his statue should be removed as well.

If it’s not, that will say a lot about the integrity of the university as far as I’m concerned. And any fan, alumni or booster who supports U of M if some type of action or actions aren’t taken — that will say a lot about those people as well. …

On a positive note, it’s great to see two big events coming to Dickinson County in the coming days and weeks, the Gus Macker 3-on-3 tournament make its return to Iron Mountain this weekend. I am looking forward to walking up and down the five to six blocks of Carpenter Avenue with my camera around my neck watching the sea of games.

Then, beginning on July 22 a state Little League tournament will be held at Marion Park for six to seven days, for the third time in the last two decades. The Marion Park public baseball facility is undoubtably the nicest of the sort, north of the Mackinac Bridge. I hope the Norway community and Dickinson County can make the teams, fans and spectators from all over the state of Michigan feel welcome and comfortable.

Norway City Manager Ray Anderson said it best in my opinion “This is a perfect opportunity for us to showcase the city of Norway and the surrounding area. Hopefully we put our best effort forward and leave a good impression.” Well said, Ray. …

A voice you’ll hear for anyone attending the state tournament at Marion Park is Brian Giachino on the public address. Giachino, a proud cousin to long-time coach, umpire, referee and Iron Mountain resident Doug Schupp, has decided to hang up his umpiring gear after many decades on the base paths. Giachino reported to The Daily News that he’s grateful for all of the umpiring opportunities he has had over the years, as well as for all of the wonderful memories he has and friends he’s made along the way when umpiring. …

Stay safe, healthy and happy everyone, and I look forwarding to seeing some fellow sports fans at the Gus Macker and Marion Park. Going to be hot, have plenty of H2O and SPF 50 at the ready. …

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