http://www.startribune.com/j-robinson-fired-by-university-of-minnesota-after-30-years-as-wrestling-coach/392637101/
Letter of dismissal
http://stmedia.startribune.com/documents/Letter+to+Robinson.pdf
The most shocking thing is a D1 coach with 3 NCAA titles only gets paid by the U of M $146,000. Given, J Rob makes significant money from his camps, but that is a separate endeavor. Terry Brands as an assistant make more than that in salary.
The guy gets paid $146,000 from the UM for coaching wrestling and you find this shocking ??? That is about 4 X more then an High School teacher and the list goes on and on and on, 146,000K for coaching wrestling WOW!!
Quote from: Ivan Stankowski on September 08, 2016, 06:05:50 AM
The guy gets paid $146,000 from the UM for coaching wrestling and you find this shocking ??? That is about 4 X more then an High School teacher and the list goes on and on and on, 146,000K for coaching wrestling WOW!!
I also find it shocking that he only makes that amount. What's more shocking, if you're right, is that a high school teacher only makes 36.5k.
Quote from: ckwrestler on September 08, 2016, 08:39:31 AM
Quote from: Ivan Stankowski on September 08, 2016, 06:05:50 AM
The guy gets paid $146,000 from the UM for coaching wrestling and you find this shocking ??? That is about 4 X more then an High School teacher and the list goes on and on and on, 146,000K for coaching wrestling WOW!!
I also find it shocking that he only makes that amount. What's more shocking, if you're right, is that a high school teacher only makes 36.5k.
No he makes WAY more then that, that is what the UM paid him, look at what a 1st year teacher makes, I guess your going to be surprised.
How did this switch from what he did to what he makes. Come on. I have a ton of respect for J. Robinson. He got to big for his own results. This will hurt Minnesota Wrestling.
Quote from: woody53 on September 08, 2016, 01:44:15 PM
How did this switch from what he did to what he makes. Come on. I have a ton of respect for J. Robinson. He got to big for his own results. This will hurt Minnesota Wrestling.
I hope UW wrestling can seize this opportunity to take a step forward as another program may falter
I'd love to have JRob as the Badger HC. I guess we're not going to buy our BD's contract; so I'm eating a big wish samich.
I doubt J has to worry a ton about finances, either way. I bet just the promotion from the teams he coaches gain him much more from camps. There's only 1 "I did it!" out there.
There are three sides to every story. Theirs, yours, and the truth.
There are parts of this story that make me admire JRob and others that make me shake my head.
Let's hope MN goes into a tailspin and we start taking their recruits.
Quote from: bigG on September 08, 2016, 03:44:34 PM
I'd love to have JRob as the Badger HC. I guess we're not going to buy our BD's contract; so I'm eating a big wish samich.
I doubt J has to worry a ton about finances, either way. I bet just the promotion from the teams he coaches gain him much more from camps. There's only 1 "I did it!" out there.
[/quote Got to say I do not agree. Would not want him as a Badger. Different set of values in my opinion.
Quote from: woody53 on September 08, 2016, 04:50:32 PM
Quote from: bigG on September 08, 2016, 03:44:34 PM
I'd love to have JRob as the Badger HC. I guess we're not going to buy our BD's contract; so I'm eating a big wish samich.
I doubt J has to worry a ton about finances, either way. I bet just the promotion from the teams he coaches gain him much more from camps. There's only 1 "I did it!" out there.
[/quote Got to say I do not agree. Would not want him as a Badger. Different set of values in my opinion.
Agreed Woody - gotta draw the ethical line somewhere.
Quote from: hammen on September 08, 2016, 07:21:36 PM
Quote from: woody53 on September 08, 2016, 04:50:32 PM
Quote from: bigG on September 08, 2016, 03:44:34 PM
I'd love to have JRob as the Badger HC. I guess we're not going to buy our BD's contract; so I'm eating a big wish samich.
I doubt J has to worry a ton about finances, either way. I bet just the promotion from the teams he coaches gain him much more from camps. There's only 1 "I did it!" out there.
[/quote Got to say I do not agree. Would not want him as a Badger. Different set of values in my opinion.
Agreed Woody - gotta draw the ethical line somewhere.
Also agree.
And in addition, as much weight as the JRob name carries, it seems to be a young mans game when new Head Coaches are being hired these days. JRob is 70.
70 and still kickin' tail. The dude is an icon, fall guy or not. I'm sure he'll retire; but I doubt there are any Minnesota fans who don't appreciate what he has done there. If they don't appreciate, I'm guessing they will in the near future.
There are a good deal of things I don't agree with as far as J goes but the admin stiffed him. There was no way they were going to admit to their incompetence. That just is not how things go in large operations. The "company" never takes the fall.
I attended his camp between my junior and senior year, and due to that I have always admired him as a coach. It is amazing what he has done for the sport.
But I will probably be crucified for this. What he did this time, covering or trying to cover for kids who were selling Xanax is completely unethical, and actually illegal. Not that I am a lawyer or law expert, but isn't that aiding and abetting? What these kids did by selling prescription drugs is a felony. And to me it is no different than a person pushing marijuana, coke or crack on the street. JRob knew this and tried to cover it up and make it go away. Do these kids need help? Absolutely! Did these kids commit a felony? Absolutely! (I know, I know... innocent until proven guilty). But the evidence was discarded by JRob so therefore they couldn't get enough evidence for probable cause. To me, this is just plain wrong. And his firing is the best case scenario that could have come out of this for him. Yes it put a black eye on U of M and their program. But black eyes will heal. But I will not put the "all wrestlers are good people" label on this. I'm not doubting he's a great guy, from my experiences he is. But this is just wrong in my opinion. And with every action comes consequences.
Seems like bad timing by the UofM administration as well. Firing the head coach right as school is starting? Although maybe it just took this long to make sure their legal stance was appropriate. Don't know if they will be able to pull in a new head coach before the season starts. Who are the assistants that could step up?
Quote from: Gutwrench on September 09, 2016, 08:22:01 AM
Seems like bad timing by the UofM administration as well. Firing the head coach right as school is starting? Although maybe it just took this long to make sure their legal stance was appropriate. Don't know if they will be able to pull in a new head coach before the season starts. Who are the assistants that could step up?
They already said Eggum will be the interim head coach this year.
J Rob's loyalty to his athletes was strong to a fault. He tried to handle a team issue in house and protected his athletes to the end.
He's not the type of guy that hears his assistant coach interviews somewhere and runs to report it to his AD only to watch his best wrestlers leave the program.
I'd have no problem if my son chose to wrestle for J Robinson. Wisconsin could have only been so lucky to have had a HC like J Rob for 30 years.
Quote from: Ivan Stankowski on September 08, 2016, 06:05:50 AM
The guy gets paid $146,000 from the UM for coaching wrestling and you find this shocking ??? That is about 4 X more then an High School teacher and the list goes on and on and on, 146,000K for coaching wrestling WOW!!
It is shocking, compared to the salaries of other D1 coaches that have won NCAA titles. You obviously missed my point, or think I'm an idiot that doesn't understand the importance of teachers and what they earn. Like I said, Iowa pays their assistant more than that. Other D1 schools pay their head coaches a lot more. It's D1/Big Ten athletics. NCAA D1 coaches are paid a lot more than the rest of us, and we all know that. If the Badgers slide to the bottom of the conference in wrestling and fire Barry, what is the going market value for a top tier Big Ten coach, or even a middle tier coach? That is all.
Quote from: bigG on September 08, 2016, 03:44:34 PM
I'd love to have JRob as the Badger HC.
Why would you want a HC with a history of not disclosing information to the proper authorities, disobeying directives from his superiors, along with refusing to accept responsibility for his actions?
Quote from: Ivan Stankowski on September 08, 2016, 06:05:50 AM
The guy gets paid $146,000 from the UM for coaching wrestling and you find this shocking ??? That is about 4 X more then an High School teacher and the list goes on and on and on, 146,000K for coaching wrestling WOW!!
I'm just wondering is the $146,000 that JRob got paid by the university just what the university pays him in base salary, but he has all sorts of other income from boosters, apparel, etc., that supplements his pay that would bump it up way higher? Much in the same way that basketball and football coaches pay is supplemented by boosters, apparel, tv/radio shows, etc. Paul Chryst is only paid $400,000 per year from the University but gets paid $1.9 million from the University of Wisconsin Foundation for the rest of his salary. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. Just spitballing ideas here because $146,000 seems pretty Dang low. inappropriate term3, as of last December Barry Davis made $108,000.
Quote from: stp on September 09, 2016, 06:35:29 PM
Quote from: bigG on September 08, 2016, 03:44:34 PM
I'd love to have JRob as the Badger HC.
Why would you want a HC with a history of not disclosing information to the proper authorities, disobeying directives from his superiors, along with refusing to accept responsibility for his actions?
He's been a respectable coach, and then some, over the years. Guilty of trying to keep a kid out of trouble, also. Maybe wasn't aware of the gravity at the time. I'm (surprisingly) not dumb enough to think he'd HC here, nor that the UW would seek him out. Just saying...he's proven on the great side more than the bad. A tactical coach. I never did one of his camps (cost$500 in '85); just impressed at how he notched out space between MN greatness and IA greatness. Nice to see a notch for WI some day; whoever the coach. Sorry for the yearn.
Either way; JRob won't be hurtin'.
I think it's possible for an individual to be outstanding in some ways and a total dunce in others. Just because JRob could turn water into wine in the wrestling room doesn't mean that he always followed the rules as presented to him. Being great in some aspects doesn't (always) give you a pass on other fronts.
True that. In this case he erred in trying to handle something in-house that should have been dealt with "outhouse." I sure don't know of any priors, though. I'm sure not upset he got fired; just saying such a thing does not a bad coach make. I sure wouldn't hesitate to send a kid to his camps. On the other hand I'm already sending a number of kids to U of M. Great school. On to the next chapter.
What if your current High School head coach did the same thing? Would that be a situation you would want to put your son into? Let us not forget that success on the mat is the ultimate goal, but at its purest form and the base of wrestling is it core values. Hard work, honesty, integrity, persiverance. With the exception of hard work, those seemed to have been pushed aside by J. All history and his laundry list of accomplishments aside, the dude committed and aided/abedded multiple felonies. The biggest loser in this situation are the young men in the program who appear to have an addiction issue. From the article I read, not only were they distributing to the entire campus, they were using too.
Quote from: jw52 on September 10, 2016, 08:41:22 AM
What if your current High School head coach did the same thing? Would that be a situation you would want to put your son into? Let us not forget that success on the mat is the ultimate goal, but at its purest form and the base of wrestling is it core values. Hard work, honesty, integrity, persiverance. With the exception of hard work, those seemed to have been pushed aside by J. All history and his laundry list of accomplishments aside, the dude committed and aided/abedded multiple felonies. The biggest loser in this situation are the young men in the program who appear to have an addiction issue. From the article I read, not only were they distributing to the entire campus, they were using too.
What Felonies did he commit, and why has he not been charged?
Robinson was fired by UM for drug related/team issue on this Wednesday. The UM forum of course is defending him because: he is J.......and it is wrestling.......and the old and new AD don't respect wrestling as a college sport. The moral from my point of view? Character and following the law counts. "Success" is secondary.
Quote from: bkraus on September 09, 2016, 08:07:25 AM
I attended his camp between my junior and senior year, and due to that I have always admired him as a coach. It is amazing what he has done for the sport.
But I will probably be crucified for this. What he did this time, covering or trying to cover for kids who were selling Xanax is completely unethical, and actually illegal. Not that I am a lawyer or law expert, but isn't that aiding and abetting? What these kids did by selling prescription drugs is a felony. And to me it is no different than a person pushing marijuana, coke or crack on the street. JRob knew this and tried to cover it up and make it go away. Do these kids need help? Absolutely! Did these kids commit a felony? Absolutely! (I know, I know... innocent until proven guilty). But the evidence was discarded by JRob so therefore they couldn't get enough evidence for probable cause. To me, this is just plain wrong. And his firing is the best case scenario that could have come out of this for him. Yes it put a black eye on U of M and their program. But black eyes will heal. But I will not put the "all wrestlers are good people" label on this. I'm not doubting he's a great guy, from my experiences he is. But this is just wrong in my opinion. And with every action comes consequences.
I agree with you completely. And I am an expert in the law. You hit all the necessary points. This is one of the reasons that many people feel that college athletes are privileged and are allowed extra benefits that "mere" scholars don't get.
You are of course, entitled to your opinion but you don't really know that much of what happened.
I respect J but have many differing opinions about mny things he says and does/has done but this was mostly a case of the administration not performing their due diligence and using the coach as a scape goat. The "company" never takes the fall just like in business. Did he commit infractions? Certainly but he did report and they did little to nothing.... what would you have done then? All he got was a delayed form e-mail returned to him from Goetz.
I thought like you at the beginning, assuming the worst. As time went on and I read what I could, I actually changed my opinion of the whole thing.
I am not saying two wrongs (or many wrongs) make a right but this PALES in comparison the the academic fraud perpetrated by many DI instututions like NC and others. They were shown to be taking utterly bogus "classes", fabricating transcripts and they hardly even tried to deny it. What did the public say?......."Keep playing football!". Again, both cases are problematic but to be incensed about Xanax or any other drug compared to academic fraud is absurd, especially in a country that consumes drugs (both legal and illegal) like they are pez candies.
I see no need to muddy the water with football analogies here. Whatever the MN admin did, or didn't do, JRob knew that his wrestlers were using and distributing drugs illegally - period. His solution? Turn in the drugs (to JRob) and write a one page paper expressing their remorse over the incident. Heck, I would fire him just for such a lame penalty. It doesn't matter whether the MN admin was slow in responding or not; JRob's response reflects a serious lack of appreciation for the gravity of the situation.
Sorry, but JRob made his own bed on this one.
Sorry, I see this as someone that got to big for his own good. Do I respect J Rob as a Wrestling Coach. Dang straight I do. Do I respect how he has run a program. Dang Straight I don't. More in our world have to see that winning is not everything.
Quote from: Ivan Stankowski on September 10, 2016, 01:00:22 PM
Quote from: jw52 on September 10, 2016, 08:41:22 AM
What if your current High School head coach did the same thing? Would that be a situation you would want to put your son into? Let us not forget that success on the mat is the ultimate goal, but at its purest form and the base of wrestling is it core values. Hard work, honesty, integrity, persiverance. With the exception of hard work, those seemed to have been pushed aside by J. All history and his laundry list of accomplishments aside, the dude committed and aided/abedded multiple felonies. The biggest loser in this situation are the young men in the program who appear to have an addiction issue. From the article I read, not only were they distributing to the entire campus, they were using too.
What Felonies did he commit, and why has he not been charged?
[/quoteWow. Read all the transcripts Ivan. I still do not know why this did not go farther legally.
Quote from: woody53 on September 10, 2016, 06:30:41 PM
Quote from: Ivan Stankowski on September 10, 2016, 01:00:22 PM
Quote from: jw52 on September 10, 2016, 08:41:22 AM
What if your current High School head coach did the same thing? Would that be a situation you would want to put your son into? Let us not forget that success on the mat is the ultimate goal, but at its purest form and the base of wrestling is it core values. Hard work, honesty, integrity, persiverance. With the exception of hard work, those seemed to have been pushed aside by J. All history and his laundry list of accomplishments aside, the dude committed and aided/abedded multiple felonies. The biggest loser in this situation are the young men in the program who appear to have an addiction issue. From the article I read, not only were they distributing to the entire campus, they were using too.
What Felonies did he commit, and why has he not been charged?
[/quoteWow. Read all the transcripts Ivan. I still do not know why this did not go farther legally.
I guess that is my point, why hasn't he been charged? Can it be not everything is true or can be proven? That is all I am saying
Your opinion is yours too. You do not know J or the Mn program at all. It most certainly is not one of J getting too big for his own good. He was not delusional. He is a wrestling coach making less than $150,000 per year. I don't think he imagined himself some kind of mogal at that salary. J did many, many things that were not supporting your view that he was a "win at any cost" coach. Truthfully, he was not enough that way and hurt himself and the number of wins he could have had. Likely people want to cast stones due to the success he did have and want to attribute it to things unseemly. To find out about the man, ask his wrestlers from his program start to finish. They will tell you the things he did (deeds/behaviors/actions you would be lauding Barry and others for).
"I guess that is my point, why hasn't he been charged? Can it be not everything is true or can be proven? That is all I am saying"
Exactly. If they had a case, they'd be on it.
"This is one of the reasons that many people feel that college athletes are privileged and are allowed extra benefits that "mere" scholars don't get."
While I agree with you that this is often the case though more so in fb, bb, etc, how often do you think anything happens to a non-athlete student getting caught with drugs? Rarely (as in almost never) anything.
Quote from: MNbadger on September 10, 2016, 07:44:39 PM
Your opinion is yours too. You do not know J or the Mn program at all. It most certainly is not one of J getting too big for his own good. He was not delusional. He is a wrestling coach making less than $150,000 per year. I don't think he imagined himself some kind of mogal at that salary. J did many, many things that were not supporting your view that he was a "win at any cost" coach. Truthfully, he was not enough that way and hurt himself and the number of wins he could have had. Likely people want to cast stones due to the success he did have and want to attribute it to things unseemly. To find out about the man, ask his wrestlers from his program start to finish. They will tell you the things he did (deeds/behaviors/actions you would be lauding Barry and others for).
As much as you are accusing others of mis judgment or poor judgment about this situation you are just as far off the other direction. I suspect the truth is somewhere in the middle. Either way based on the available Information some really poor decisions were made. Regardless of the intent and what he thought was an honorable way to deal win this it seems to have crossed a line legality to some extent and most likely poor judgment.
It is sad that those we hold in such high regard are human and can make some of the poor decision any human can. Sad because so many looked up to him and to have a storied career to fall like this is a very disappointing series of events. But also sad is athletes engaging in this behavior I hope they get it together and stop. That would be the very best thing that can come from this situation. People correcting bad behavior and in the future in a positive direction.
Best of luck to all those involved I hope you get it together and move your lives in positive direction.
Ramjet, I do not claim to know everything about this situation but I made my point in that I likely know more than those on this site. I'll leave it at that.
As far as holding J in high regard, I have NO heroes and find it strange that others do. All of us are human you are correct. We all make mistakes.
The truth is, compared to many, many situations collegiate athletes get into, this big deal of today will be tomorrow's so what in short order. J reported to his superiors, they were slow to deal with it. When I first heard of this, I assumed J held off time wise and immediately was critical. When I found out the timeline, I had to admit I was to quick in my judgment. His athletes got safe haven. He did wrong applying his own form of consequences.
Quote from: ramjet on September 10, 2016, 07:56:57 PM
Quote from: MNbadger on September 10, 2016, 07:44:39 PM
Your opinion is yours too. You do not know J or the Mn program at all. It most certainly is not one of J getting too big for his own good. He was not delusional. He is a wrestling coach making less than $150,000 per year. I don't think he imagined himself some kind of mogal at that salary. J did many, many things that were not supporting your view that he was a "win at any cost" coach. Truthfully, he was not enough that way and hurt himself and the number of wins he could have had. Likely people want to cast stones due to the success he did have and want to attribute it to things unseemly. To find out about the man, ask his wrestlers from his program start to finish. They will tell you the things he did (deeds/behaviors/actions you would be lauding Barry and others for).
As much as you are accusing others of mis judgment or poor judgment about this situation you are just as far off the other direction. I suspect the truth is somewhere in the middle. Either way based on the available Information some really poor decisions were made. Regardless of the intent and what he thought was an honorable way to deal win this it seems to have crossed a line legality to some extent and most likely poor judgment.
It is sad that those we hold in such high regard are human and can make some of the poor decision any human can. Sad because so many looked up to him and to have a storied career to fall like this is a very disappointing series of events. But also sad is athletes engaging in this behavior I hope they get it together and stop. That would be the very best thing that can come from this situation. People correcting bad behavior and in the future in a positive direction.
Best of luck to all those involved I hope you get it together and move your lives in positive direction.
Quote from: MNbadger on September 10, 2016, 07:44:39 PM
Your opinion is yours too. It most certainly is not one of J getting too big for his own good. He is a wrestling coach making less than $150,000 per year.
We must agree to disagree then. J became too big for his own good when he left his previous coaching job for UM, the sole reason being to have full control of his camps.
J makes a significant amount of his yearly income from his camps along with being a "slum lord" buying/selling homes to wrestlers.
What J makes from camps and real estate doesn't change the fact that he earns a poor wage as a wrestling coach. It should bring one pause to think that he needs to have two other jobs.
Where did these Xanax drugs come from, or how were they acquired?
How would they not be 'stolen' property to begin with?
The issue in a criminal case is NOT: "did he/she do it?". The issue is: "Can I as the DA prove that he/she did it beyond a reasonable doubt......which is the highest burden of proof in the legal system. If....IF....there is a law suit, J will be compelled to testify to everything that he did.......and didn't do.....and explain his rational. Contrary to the opinions of some people on the Minny board, juvies drinking beer is not the same as adults using/distributing prescription drugs and therefore the obligations of supervisors/parents/bosses/coaches/etc, differ.
Quote from: stp on September 09, 2016, 06:35:29 PM
Quote from: bigG on September 08, 2016, 03:44:34 PM
I'd love to have JRob as the Badger HC.
Why would you want a HC with a history of not disclosing information to the proper authorities, disobeying directives from his superiors, along with refusing to accept responsibility for his actions?
He just lost his job due to his loyalty to his athletes. He chose to disclose information to the parents involved. 30 years as a HC with great success for his program and one of the best college wrestling promoters ever but hey let's define him by his worst situation. I've read countless articles, quotes, comments, etc.... from other coaches, his former wrestlers, fans, parents, boosters, etc. that had nothing but great things to say about J Rob and the impact he had on their lives. Even so far as wrestlers that participated in his 28 day camps 20 years ago talk about their experience and the type of person J Rob is. The last one I read was a FB post from Jayson Ness about how big of an influence J Rob was to him as a kid/fan, wrestler, and coach. If you know anything about Jayson Ness you'd know he is the kind of guy that makes great life decisions and is a fantastic role model.
So ya I'm OK with him not running to authorities on this and "disclosing". I hope the kids he protected are forever grateful for the sacrifice J Rob made and hope they accomplish great things on and off the mat.
We can go on all day with examples of what J Rob did to help MN wrestling and the sport. One example I like is UM told him he had to cut down his roster to be in compliance with Title 9. J Rob didn't believe he HAD to do that so he told him he wouldn't. He could easily have given in, cut the roster, and a forever excuse on why the program can't keep up with the Iowas and OK States of the world. He used his clout and his character to do the right thing. Some see it as insubordinate I see it as loyalty to a program.
Quote from: MNbadger on September 11, 2016, 09:26:40 AM
What J makes from camps and real estate doesn't change the fact that he earns a poor wage as a wrestling coach. It should bring one pause to think that he needs to have two other jobs.
$150,000 a year is a "poor wage"? He needs to have two other jobs??? C'mon...
I'll gladly take that poor wage!
You should apply then and do the job. That wage for the job requirements and commitment is absurd.
J Robinson has been the coach through many changes in the administration at U of M. Every one of those administrations have been dreaming of having a legit reason to get rid of him even through all his successes. He is revered in wrestling circles and greatly disliked outside of wrestling. Insubordinate is a great word to describe him. He only cared about his team and his wrestlers and was always only going to do his thing. That obviously made him disliked by the university, administration, and other coaches/athletes.
Without his obvious success he would have been dismissed a long time ago. To the end his kind of arrogance and loyalty to a fault finally gave the university a reason to get rid of him. The program will never be the same because any new coach will never get away with what Robinson did.
As far as his salary, it is definitely at the higher end compared with all other wrestling coaches and coaches in other non-revenue sports. With all their success, Minnesota's wrestling program was not a revenue generator. Wrestling might actually be a revenue generator at a few other schools like Iowa.
Not trying to stir the turd; but I don't recall ever finding any evidence (maybe because i wasn't looking) of him being loved by wrestlers, but disliked by admin. Then, for him to get fired because of something he had already reported to admin.? I dunno.
Read this article and let me know if this sounds like a promoter or an insubordinate.
http://www.pennlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/01/college_wrestling_is_strong_bu.html
Quote from: DocWrestling on September 12, 2016, 10:42:51 AM
J Robinson has been the coach through many changes in the administration at U of M. Every one of those administrations have been dreaming of having a legit reason to get rid of him even through all his successes. He is revered in wrestling circles and greatly disliked outside of wrestling. Insubordinate is a great word to describe him. He only cared about his team and his wrestlers and was always only going to do his thing. That obviously made him disliked by the university, administration, and other coaches/athletes.
Without his obvious success he would have been dismissed a long time ago. To the end his kind of arrogance and loyalty to a fault finally gave the university a reason to get rid of him. The program will never be the same because any new coach will never get away with what Robinson did.
As far as his salary, it is definitely at the higher end compared with all other wrestling coaches and coaches in other non-revenue sports. With all their success, Minnesota's wrestling program was not a revenue generator. Wrestling might actually be a revenue generator at a few other schools like Iowa.
Curious, how do you know he was "greatly disliked" by people outside of the wrestling circle? His issues with UM administration is noted but who else outside of the wrestling circle?
Do people on here consider it a bad thing that MN administration didn't like J Rob? I'm sure he didn't want it to be that way. So administration wanted to cut his roster and probably his coaching staff and he resisted, that's bad?
Maybe I'm wrong but I'm in the camp that says we need more guys like J Rob to help keep the sport and promote it. I'd rather have the HC sitting across from the AD challenging cuts then the guy that's like "OK, I'll do what I'm told", "cut the roster, that's going to hurt but OK", "no volunteer coaches in the room...OK boy I wish that didn't happen but OK".
Guess I respect the former Army Ranger and Olympian and respect his code. Wish he was the UW HC.
Guys...Guys...Guys...no need to go back and forth...MNbadger knows more than everyone else so you all should just listen to him and his opinion.
You don't like MNBadger. Noted.
I was just unaware that there was much dirt on JRob. Always seemed pretty "stand up" to me.
I think many times wrestling stalwarts are disliked by the non-wrestling world. The high schools with poor basketball programs and good wrestling ones come to mind.
Great career; but being disliked by administration might be a good thing. Sounds like UWW had something out for fader. Good for UW-EC.
Saw a coach put up a list of '15 things every coach should remember' (or some such title)
One of them may apply here:
The more successful you are, the less friends you will have in town.
I think J Robinson is/was a great wrestling coach.
He is a strong personality.
People don't come much tougher than J Robinson.
Sorry to see things going in the direction they have.
while I am no expert on the law, it seems to me that this thread is getting muddied and I would guess a poster like TLV would be a calming poster on this.
These are some thing I look at in this case whether good or bad these are points.
1. Xanax is not illegal to take if you have a DR note to do so
1A. it is very illegal to sell or I believe give away the drug whether you get paid for it or not.
2.JRob from what I understand DID cover things up but..........
2A. while at the kitchen table recruiting these kids, I am sure JRob sold himself to the parent(s) that he would take care of these kids and support them when they become part of the Gopher Family
2AA. he certainly took those kids in and while there was a very valuable lessons and laws to follow, he protected them much like I would guess many parent(s) may also do.
I have to give JRob credit that he stood behind his wrestlers and protected them probably to much, I may get blasted for say ing this but while I dont agree to helping break the law, he really stuck his neck out for these kids and HE paid the price.
3. JRob was a pain in the U rear end to say the least. The housing situations he had going on, the athletes renting, owning houses, his blantant disreguard of whatever the AD would say. Basically he is a tough nosed SOB that did things his way. Look at him moving his JRob camp out of the U and the U losing on that money
3A. the gopher basketball team has pushed the issue with the AD and heads were going to roll. In order to be a tough guy the new AD fired JRob to send a message without hammering the basketball team but maybe a wake up call. By the way, hasnt there been something like 7 arrested in the gopher basketball program over the past year, things like RAPE, ASSAULTS, THEFT. Those are crimes against other people where as it sounds like the wrestling crime was more self inflicted but we could go on and on about the level of crimes.
I do think there will be some legal action on JRobs part over this, have heard many different things at this point but only time will tell.
The gophers are in good hands with Eggum and Becker for the time being but only time will tell.
By the way on the salary. Every one has a base salary in college sports. It is more the camps, shoes, appareal, promotion that gets the extra coin and lets face it, wrestling isnt usually the huge draw outside Iowa and Penn State. Though the Gophers have been top 5 in attendence for many years if that says anything.
Also, at this point I serious doubt JRob is going to be hanging at any salvation army soup lines. He has done very well for himself with his low salary from the U ;)
"He has done very well for himself with his low salary from the U"
Let's take your job, whatever it is. You get an hourly wage or a salary, either way. You take another job let's say with a landscaping firm mowing and plowing snow. Is that part of your base salary/wage/job? No, of course not. A head wrestling coach position is a big undertaking and at $150,000 per year, a low wage. You need to look around at what people make. Of course, part of this has to do with where you live too. $150,000 per year is likely a huge income in Forest or Florence County but in the TC it is not a big deal.
Quote from: MNbadger on September 11, 2016, 09:26:40 AM
What J makes from camps and real estate doesn't change the fact that he earns a poor wage as a wrestling coach.
lol
Quote from: littleguy301 on September 12, 2016, 10:18:05 PM
while I am no expert on the law, it seems to me that this thread is getting muddied and I would guess a poster like TLV would be a calming poster on this.
These are some thing I look at in this case whether good or bad these are points.
1. Xanax is not illegal to take if you have a DR note to do so
1A. it is very illegal to sell or I believe give away the drug whether you get paid for it or not.
2.JRob from what I understand DID cover things up but..........
2A. while at the kitchen table recruiting these kids, I am sure JRob sold himself to the parent(s) that he would take care of these kids and support them when they become part of the Gopher Family
2AA. he certainly took those kids in and while there was a very valuable lessons and laws to follow, he protected them much like I would guess many parent(s) may also do.
I have to give JRob credit that he stood behind his wrestlers and protected them probably to much, I may get blasted for say ing this but while I dont agree to helping break the law, he really stuck his neck out for these kids and HE paid the price.
3. JRob was a pain in the U rear end to say the least. The housing situations he had going on, the athletes renting, owning houses, his blantant disreguard of whatever the AD would say. Basically he is a tough nosed SOB that did things his way. Look at him moving his JRob camp out of the U and the U losing on that money
3A. the gopher basketball team has pushed the issue with the AD and heads were going to roll. In order to be a tough guy the new AD fired JRob to send a message without hammering the basketball team but maybe a wake up call. By the way, hasnt there been something like 7 arrested in the gopher basketball program over the past year, things like RAPE, ASSAULTS, THEFT. Those are crimes against other people where as it sounds like the wrestling crime was more self inflicted but we could go on and on about the level of crimes.
I do think there will be some legal action on JRobs part over this, have heard many different things at this point but only time will tell.
The gophers are in good hands with Eggum and Becker for the time being but only time will tell.
By the way on the salary. Every one has a base salary in college sports. It is more the camps, shoes, appareal, promotion that gets the extra coin and lets face it, wrestling isnt usually the huge draw outside Iowa and Penn State. Though the Gophers have been top 5 in attendence for many years if that says anything.
Also, at this point I serious doubt JRob is going to be hanging at any salvation army soup lines. He has done very well for himself with his low salary from the U ;)
I'm with you; and still feel a little hazy about this whole thing. The "cover up" is what I'm unclear on; and I guess that's where the rubber hits the (very well-constructed) road. :)
Here are who the top earners in 2008. Again this does not include camps and any outside income.
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/college/2008-02-08-wrestling-salaries_N.htm
Name, College, Salary
-- Cael Sanderson, Iowa State, $110,000
-- Jack Spates, Oklahoma, $110,000
-- Mark Johnson, Illinois, $108,550
-- J Robinson, Minnesota, $100,000
-- Brian Smith, Missouri, $100,000
-- John Smith, Oklahoma State, $100,000
-- Pat Santoro, Maryland, $99,866
-- Tom Brands, Iowa, $99,750
-- Joe McFarland, Michigan, $97,850
-- Mark Manning, Nebraska, $97,000
-- Tom Ryan, Ohio State, $95,288
-- Jim Zalesky, Oregon State, $95,004
Here is article from 2012 on salaries
http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2012/8/9/3228440/tom-brands-and-the-escalation-of-coaching-compensation
Quote from: littleguy301 on September 12, 2016, 10:18:05 PM
while I am no expert on the law, it seems to me that this thread is getting muddied and I would guess a poster like TLV would be a calming poster on this.
These are some thing I look at in this case whether good or bad these are points.
1. Xanax is not illegal to take if you have a DR note to do so
1A. it is very illegal to sell or I believe give away the drug whether you get paid for it or not.
2.JRob from what I understand DID cover things up but..........
2A. while at the kitchen table recruiting these kids, I am sure JRob sold himself to the parent(s) that he would take care of these kids and support them when they become part of the Gopher Family
2AA. he certainly took those kids in and while there was a very valuable lessons and laws to follow, he protected them much like I would guess many parent(s) may also do.
I have to give JRob credit that he stood behind his wrestlers and protected them probably to much, I may get blasted for say ing this but while I dont agree to helping break the law, he really stuck his neck out for these kids and HE paid the price.
3. JRob was a pain in the U rear end to say the least. The housing situations he had going on, the athletes renting, owning houses, his blantant disreguard of whatever the AD would say. Basically he is a tough nosed SOB that did things his way. Look at him moving his JRob camp out of the U and the U losing on that money
3A. the gopher basketball team has pushed the issue with the AD and heads were going to roll. In order to be a tough guy the new AD fired JRob to send a message without hammering the basketball team but maybe a wake up call. By the way, hasnt there been something like 7 arrested in the gopher basketball program over the past year, things like RAPE, ASSAULTS, THEFT. Those are crimes against other people where as it sounds like the wrestling crime was more self inflicted but we could go on and on about the level of crimes.
I do think there will be some legal action on JRobs part over this, have heard many different things at this point but only time will tell.
The gophers are in good hands with Eggum and Becker for the time being but only time will tell.
By the way on the salary. Every one has a base salary in college sports. It is more the camps, shoes, appareal, promotion that gets the extra coin and lets face it, wrestling isnt usually the huge draw outside Iowa and Penn State. Though the Gophers have been top 5 in attendence for many years if that says anything.
Also, at this point I serious doubt JRob is going to be hanging at any salvation army soup lines. He has done very well for himself with his low salary from the U ;)
Littleguy301,
I don't think that J voluntarily took the intensive Camps off campus this summer. He wan't allowed to have them on campus is my understanding.
http://www.ndheadlock.com/single-post/2016/09/12/Luke-Mellmer-on-J-Robinson-Tough-and-Hard-Nosed-Compassionate-and-Caring
Quote from: DocWrestling on September 13, 2016, 07:23:17 AM
Here is article from 2012 on salaries
http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2012/8/9/3228440/tom-brands-and-the-escalation-of-coaching-compensation
$225K is a nice chunk o' change. Brands, though, does coach for probably the best state for wrestling revenue.
Interesting article; thanks for posting.
According to state databases
Barry Davis was paid $107,467 last year in base salary
Tom Brands was paid $169,00
J Robinson was paid $143, 579
Tom Ryan was paid $310,584
Obviously each contract is handled different with amount from state money, private money, camps, etc so the truth is never really known
Quote from: littleguy301 on September 12, 2016, 10:18:05 PM
while I am no expert on the law, it seems to me that this thread is getting muddied and I would guess a poster like TLV would be a calming poster on this.
These are some thing I look at in this case whether good or bad these are points.
1. Xanax is not illegal to take if you have a DR note to do so
1A. it is very illegal to sell or I believe give away the drug whether you get paid for it or not.
2.JRob from what I understand DID cover things up but..........
2A. while at the kitchen table recruiting these kids, I am sure JRob sold himself to the parent(s) that he would take care of these kids and support them when they become part of the Gopher Family
2AA. he certainly took those kids in and while there was a very valuable lessons and laws to follow, he protected them much like I would guess many parent(s) may also do.
I have to give JRob credit that he stood behind his wrestlers and protected them probably to much, I may get blasted for say ing this but while I dont agree to helping break the law, he really stuck his neck out for these kids and HE paid the price.
3. JRob was a pain in the U rear end to say the least. The housing situations he had going on, the athletes renting, owning houses, his blantant disreguard of whatever the AD would say. Basically he is a tough nosed SOB that did things his way. Look at him moving his JRob camp out of the U and the U losing on that money
3A. the gopher basketball team has pushed the issue with the AD and heads were going to roll. In order to be a tough guy the new AD fired JRob to send a message without hammering the basketball team but maybe a wake up call. By the way, hasnt there been something like 7 arrested in the gopher basketball program over the past year, things like RAPE, ASSAULTS, THEFT. Those are crimes against other people where as it sounds like the wrestling crime was more self inflicted but we could go on and on about the level of crimes.
I do think there will be some legal action on JRobs part over this, have heard many different things at this point but only time will tell.
The gophers are in good hands with Eggum and Becker for the time being but only time will tell.
By the way on the salary. Every one has a base salary in college sports. It is more the camps, shoes, appareal, promotion that gets the extra coin and lets face it, wrestling isnt usually the huge draw outside Iowa and Penn State. Though the Gophers have been top 5 in attendence for many years if that says anything.
Also, at this point I serious doubt JRob is going to be hanging at any salvation army soup lines. He has done very well for himself with his low salary from the U ;)
Interesting thoughts, Littleguy301. Just a couple of comments. J was put on administrative leave by UM on 1 June, thus I understand that he could not use the facilities at the U for the camp. If J starts legal action...........one of first set of questions directed to him under oath will be about drugs; i.e., when did you learn, what did you do, why did you do it, by what authority did you act, did kids give you drugs and if so what did you do with them, etc? Not a pretty picture potentially. I think that he was a spectacular coach. I spent much of the last 20 years going over to UM to watch meets. He has done a lot to promote our sport. But....no matter who you are....or what you've done in the past.....you have to abide by the rules whether you agree with them or not.
Counterpoint: There's more to the J Robinson story
http://www.startribune.com/counterpoint-there-s-more-to-the-j-robinson-story/392817421/
Four suspended from Gophers wrestling team until Jan. 1
The university would not confirm if the discipline was in connection with drug ring allegations.
By Pat Pheifer OCTOBER 20, 2016 — 6:37AM
Four members of the Gophers wrestling team have been suspended until Jan. 1 "for violation of team rules," a spokesman for the university's athletic department said Wednesday.
The wrestlers are Tommy Thorn, Ethan Lizak, Larry Early III and Brandon Krone. All except Early are redshirtsophomores; Early is a redshirt freshman.
The four are suspended only from competing. They can attend class and can practice with the team, spokesman Jake Ricker said.
The university would not confirm whether the four were suspended in connection with the allegations of a drug ring involving more than a dozen wrestlers and the firing last month of coach J Robinson.
The suspension will put the four out of commission for roughly two months of the season, which begins Nov. 6. They would miss three tournaments, along with dual meets against South Dakota State, Oklahoma State, Michigan State and Michigan.
Because the four will be able to practice with the team, they could be able to return for the Southern Scuffle on Jan. 1-2 in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Robinson, 70, the wrestling coach for 30 years, was fired Sept. 7 by athletic director Mark Coyle. The coach was placed on paid administrative leave and banished from campus in June.
Allegations of drug abuse and distribution of Xanax among Gophers wresters surfaced in May, but Robinson refused to implicate the affected athletes.
In announcing Robinson's firing, Coyle said, "I'm terminating Coach Robinson's contract because he was not forthcoming with his superiors when reporting his suspicions about selling and abusing prescription medication."
Robinson's teams won national titles in 2001, 2002 and 2007. He was named Big Ten coach of the year eight times and was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2005.
Thorn, from St. Michael, placed fourth in the Big Ten at 141 pounds last season and advanced to the NCAA tournament, where he did not place. He enters the season ranked seventh at 141 by Intermatwrestle.com.
Lizak, from Schnecksville, Pa., sat out last season as a redshirt. He placed seventh in the Big Ten at 125 pounds in 2014-15 and advanced to the NCAA tournament, where he did not place.
Krone, from Anoka, went 11-13 at 165 pounds last season and did not place in the Big Ten tournament.
Early, from Oak Park, Ill., sat out last season as a redshirt but went 10-4 while wrestling unattached at 157 pounds.
http://www.startribune.com/four-suspended-from-gopher-wrestling-team-until-jan-1/397680681/