Wolverines channel Flair, embrace role as ‘villain’
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Tom VanHaaren, ESPN Staff Writer
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Ric Flair strutted out of Schembechler Hall on Monday and into a private car.
The former pro wrestling legend was at Michigan to see Jim Harbaugh, as the two have been friends since the Wolverines coach played with the Chicago Bears in the late 1980s.
Flair was known as the villain in the wrestling world, and Harbaugh now finds himself and the Wolverines being described as the villains of the college football world amid allegations of sign stealing and in-person scouting that have triggered an NCAA investigation.
Despite what is being said outside the program, Michigan’s players aren’t shying away from the newfound target on their back and the criticism they’re receiving.
“I know there’s a lot of noise going on the outside of the building,” Wolverines offensive lineman Zak Zinter said. “Haven’t really paid too, too much attention to it. But I mean if someone thinks we’re the villain, I mean, I’m fine being the villain.
“You know, sometimes the villain wins and takes down the superhero. So, if that’s got to be the case, let’s be the villain and let’s take them down. I’m fine with being the villain if that’s how the media and everyone else sees it outside the building.”
Michigan’s program and former staffer Connor Stalions are being investigated for in-person scouting, with Stalions allegedly paying people to attend opponents’ games and record their playcall signals from the stands.
The NCAA also is investigating whether Stalions was in disguise on the Central Michigan sideline during the Chippewas’ game against Michigan State this season.
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said he won’t be attending this week’s College Football Playoff selection committee meeting so that he can handle “important matters regarding the ongoing investigation.”
“I look forward to being back in the room with my fellow committee members next week and every week through the end of this season,” Manuel said Monday in a statement.
Criticism also has come from opposing coaches, with Purdue‘s Ryan Walter asking publicly why there has been a delay in punishing Michigan as evidence mounts. Despite the criticism, Wolverines linebacker Jaylen Harrell said the team is focused only on what’s happening on the field.
“We don’t really react to it too much,” Harrell said. “We just keep everything, keep making the main thing, I think [Harbaugh] said last week, a one-track mind. We just focus on one day at a time, whatever we have in front us, we handle.”
The Wolverines have handled every opponent this season, sitting at 9-0 and outscoring their opponents 114-0 in the third quarter. Michigan has its biggest test upcoming with Penn State on the road Saturday.
Although Michigan’s players say they are not paying attention to the outside noise, Harrell believes it has been a motivator.
“I guess it’s an extra little chip,” Harrell said. “Whatever people got to say and, like I said, outside crowd noise, we don’t pay attention to it. But [our] main focus right now is prepare this week and get ready to battle with Penn State.”
Harbaugh said he has seen his players stay focused, and he mentioned after the 41-13 win over Purdue that the controversy has been the ultimate motivator for his players. While he said he is not able to comment on the investigation, he addressed the criticism and how he is viewing what is being said about him and the team.
“Nobody wants criticism, that’s why I work so hard to do everything right, both on and off the field,” Harbaugh said. “Because it’s been that way for a long time, since I was 22 years old. But if the criticism is directed to me and not my adolescent kids or the players on the football team, then I’m OK with it.”
Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley on Monday was placed on the 10-day injured list for the second time in two months with a strained lower abdominal muscle.
Right-hander Grant Holmes, meanwhile, has opted to rehab his injured right elbow rather than undergoing Tommy John surgery, manager Brian Snitker told reporters.
Riley suffered the injury while tagging out Cincinnati’s Elly De La Cruz near home plate in the Braves’ 4-2 win on Sunday in the rain-delayed MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Riley also landed on the IL on July 12 with a strained abdomen. He returned on July 25.
The Braves recalled infielders Nacho Alvarez Jr. and Jonathan Ornelas from Triple-A Gwinnett before opening a home series against Milwaukee on Monday night. The team optioned outfielder Jarred Kelenic to Gwinnett following Sunday’s game.
Riley is hitting .260 with 16 homers and 54 RBIs.
Snitker said Holmes, who has damage to his UCL, made the decision to not have surgery at the present time after consulting with two doctors. The pitcher could also reconsider and have surgery after the season.
Snitker did not give a timeline as to when Snitker, who was placed on the 60-day injured list on July 27, will begin throwing again. He is not eligible to be activated until Sept. 26.
Holmes is 4-9 with a 3.99 ERA and 123 strikeouts this season. He had 15 strikeouts in a game against the Colorado Rockies in June.
The Braves’ other Opening Day starters also are all on the injured list, with AJ Smith-Shawver out for the season after having Tommy John surgery.
Snitker said All-Star left-hander Chris Sale threw a bullpen session as he works his way back from a fractured rib. He is next scheduled to throw live batting practice.
Reynaldo Lopez, who was placed on the IL on March 29 with shoulder inflammation after one start, is playing catch, but Snitker said there is no timetable for his return.
Spencer Schwellenbach, who is recovering from a fractured elbow, has not resumed throwing.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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