EUGENE, Ore. — Gophers Athletics Director Mark Coyle took issue with the disparity in punishments for rule-breaking Big Ten programs on Friday.
During the KFAN pregame show before the Oregon game, Coyle rhetorically asked host Justin Gaard to describe something to him.
“Off air, you are going to have to explain to me how Michigan State had to vacate wins, but somebody else didn’t,” Coyle said.
Coyle was clearly comparing Michigan State to rival Michigan.
Gaard followed up with Coyle, asking if he wanted to “flesh it out,” but Coyle declined. “I do not,” he said.
Earlier this week, the Spartans were placed on three years of probation by the NCAA for recruiting violations during coach Mel Tucker’s tenure and have to vacate 15 wins, including five under current head coach Jonathan Smith.
Michigan, for its sign-stealing scheme during its run to the 2024 national championship, received a series of fines from the NCAA in August that could reach $30 million. But the Wolverines avoided vacating victories or a postseason ban.
Before he opened up that can of worms, Coyle said he is proud of how his programs at Minnesota follow the rules. After the Michigan State news came out, he said he messaged head coach P.J. Fleck that said, “I appreciate the way you do things.”
Coyle said he also texted other coaches, including Niko Medved, Dawn Plitzuweit, Bob Motzko and Keegan Cook.
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