The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/362774
INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS other concerns were discussed such as drugs, steroids, domestic violence and, more recently, the improvident use of social media. I learned it was important to ensure the head coaches stayed during the presenta- tions; if the coaches didn't think it was important to be there, the players wouldn't either. The topics may have changed, but the message never did. The common theme was using good judgment, having good values and making good decisions. Bo had a concept of a "Michigan Man," a student-athlete who demonstrated values like integrity, honor and responsibility on the field, and lived them as well. After Bo retired in 1989, I continued to talk to Gary Moeller's teams. Later I was fortu- nate to become friends with Lloyd Carr during his 13-year tenure as head coach. Lloyd coached my son when he was a walk-on from 2000-03. Those presentations were spe- cial for me: I was not only a FBI agent speaking to Michigan's football team, but a father seeing his son in a group of men representing a program that I had come to respect. This month, I will again talk to the Michigan football team. Brady Hoke, a former assistant under Lloyd Carr (1995-2002), is Michigan's coach now. Brady has embraced the traditions of Michigan and the concept of the Michigan Man. It is U-M's 135th football season, and it will be my 33rd year. The topics have changed, but the message stays the same: making good choices based on good values. I always end my talks with a quote attributed to John Wayne: "Life is tough. It's tougher if you're stupid."