Michigan football senior slams U-M president for Big Ten decision, lack of communication

A 5th-year senior made specific plans for 2020 that have been unequivocally altered. And he’s not liking the lack of support from U-M’s pres

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University of Michigan president Dr. Mark Schlissel posted a statement to Twitter explaining why he believes that the fall sports postponement in the Big Ten but some Wolverines football players might not take him at his word that they have his support.

For days, college football players all across the country attempted to have their say in the matter, noting they didn’t have a seat at the table when it’s come to the decision-making behind either canceling, postponing or keeping football in the fall as scheduled. With the decision coming down from the Big Ten on Tuesday that fall sports would be postponed to spring, it isn’t sitting right with one fifth-year senior, who had made specific plans to prepare for the opportunity to have one more year playing in The Big House.

Defensive back Tyler Cochran was a special teams standout in 2019, with his forced fumble against Rutgers being the highlight of his season.

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Cochran — the son of Brad Cochran, the consensus first-team All-American Michigan defensive back from the early 1980s — is taking exception to Schlissel’s lack of transparency, communication and overall unwillingness to support the football team. He took to Instagram to voice his displeasure with the university president, noting that not once has he ‘ever seen him in the (football) facility in my 4+ years here.’

While Schlissel’s decision may be prudent, it’s understandable that players would be frustrated that he hasn’t done anything to communicate why they must sacrifice everything they’ve worked so hard for.

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Last year I decided to drop a class to come short of graduation by 1 credit to come back and play my final year of eligibility. Unfortunately, the incompetent Presidents of the @bigten decided, despite constant testing and strict protocols, that the voices of the players were irrelevant and cancelled the season. It’s even more disappointing that the @uofmichigan president did not come speak to our team or even explain his decision making process. Not surprising since I’ve never seen him in the facility in my 4+ years here. Due to this decision, I, along with many of my brothers, may never be able to play the game of football again. I’ve wanted to play football for Michigan and follow in the footsteps of my dad ever since I can remember, and he had that same dream for me too. Coach Harbaugh gave me that opportunity, and everything that came with it was more than anything I could’ve ever wished for. I’ve played in the Big House, travelled the world, and got to wear the winged helmet. I got to share the honor of playing for Michigan with my father. If I never get the opportunity to play football again… this has still been more than a dream come true. Go Blue!

A post shared by Tyler Cochran (@tcoch30) on

It’s unclear whether or not Cochran, being one credit shy from graduating, would be able to participate in a spring season, should that actually occur.

Nonetheless, that Schlissel hasn’t addressed the team — or spent any time in the football facilities as Cochran alleges — makes for a not-so-good look.

For now, Cochran and the team will continue to practice, according to a team spokesman.