Wisconsin Wrestling Online

College and University Wrestling => News in Collegiate Wrestling => Topic started by: Barou on May 27, 2016, 09:04:09 AM

Title: J Rob
Post by: Barou on May 27, 2016, 09:04:09 AM
Been mentioned in some posts so thought I'd post an article for anyone interested.  I know it doesn't fall into "UW Badger Wrestling" but some might might want to check it out.

Hope it doesn't end for J Rob this way but I'm thinking we will be seeing a resignation or dismissal within a couple weeks.  Loyal to a fault on this one. 


Souhan: Making, breaking rules is Robinson's charm — and downfall
The story that might bring down one of Minnesota's best coaches is uglier than anyone would have guessed, but J Robinson's handling of it is utterly predictable.
MAY 27, 2016 — 7:02AM

DAVID BREWSTER, DML - STAR TRIBUNE

It was always likely to end this way for J Robinson. The Gophers wrestling coach took pride in his image as a rugged individualist. He sparred with superiors and shunned political correctness on a modern college campus. He always was going to be vulnerable if he stopped winning or kept talking.

The story that might bring down one of Minnesota's best coaches is uglier than anyone would have guessed, but Robinson's handling of it is utterly predictable. It turns out that the man without punctuation after his first initial might have applied a period to his career by keeping his own counsel and trying to protect his athletes and his program.

In this case, as he so often did, Robinson made his own rules. He did what he thought was right and what his superiors are sure to see as wrong. This was as grooved to happen as a Joe Mauer groundout.

A source with the wrestling program told the Star Tribune's Joe Christensen that Robinson learned this season that his athletes were using and selling large amounts of Xanax. Robinson, according to the source, tried to handle the crisis internally. He reportedly did not tell his superiors.

According to the terms of his contract, Robinson can be dismissed for exactly this kind of behavior. With a contract that runs through 2020, Robinson could have protected himself and his future earnings by immediately reporting the problem to his bosses. His reputation and résumé are strong enough that he could have survived those losses. He would have rebuilt his program eventually with another wave of excellent recruits.

Instead, Robinson stayed true to his nature instead of his contract, and he gave new athletic director Mark Coyle a batting-practice pitch down the middle. Coyle can fire a 69-year-old coach coming off a mediocre season who directly violated the language of his contract.

Coyle can look strong while making his first high-profile decision, and use this case to send a shot across the bow of the men's basketball program, which has frequently embarrassed itself under coach Richard Pitino.

J is one of those people with whom I can amicably disagree. I like him. I appreciate that he has the guts to say what he believes even when it is politically unwise. I admire the bond he builds with his athletes.

When he celebrated his 25th season as the Gophers coach in 2011, I spent more than an hour with him in his campus office. He told stories, offered quotes from dozens of the books that surrounded him, and repeated his life philosophies so often I felt like he was trying to tattoo them on my forehead.

I felt like I was talking to the Jack Nicholson character from "A Few Good Men." And until now, I did want him on that wall.

"Conflict is good," he said that day. "Conflict is how you grow."

He was an Army Ranger and a champion wrestler. He would drop 40 pounds in a week to win a bet. He protested during Vietnam — that he wasn't getting enough combat time. "That was where the action was, for our generation," he said that day. "That was, for us, the Wild West of the 1850s. That's why you wanted to go there."

He's a fascinating character and Hall of Fame coach, but even those who like J shouldn't deify him. He seemed quite willing to bend rules. The Minnesota Daily once portrayed him in a well-researched article as a University slumlord. And there is no escaping the exact nature of his current troubles.

He appears to have covered up a felony.

I have no doubt he thought he was doing right by his program and his wrestlers, but he did wrong by his university and under the terms of his contract.

I hate to see him go.

But it's probably time for him to go.



Jim Souhan's podcast can be heard at MalePatternPodcasts.com. On Twitter: @SouhanStrib. jsouhan@startribune.com
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: leg turk on May 27, 2016, 09:17:02 AM
Coming Soon!  Ben Askren, to the University of Minnesota!
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: DocWrestling on May 27, 2016, 09:30:53 AM
It is fair to say that they have gone through numerous administrations at Minnesota in last 30 years and not one of them ever cared for JROB.  \He has always done his own thing and listened to no one.  That has made him successful but not popular (except with most wrestling fans) and everyone always assumed eventually it would be his downfall.  Most will be honest with you and will tell you they are extremely surprised that he has made it as long as he has
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: Barou on May 27, 2016, 09:33:10 AM
Quote from: leg turk on May 27, 2016, 09:17:02 AM
Coming Soon!  Ben Askren, to the University of Minnesota!

That would be a perfect arrangement!
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: BOURNE on May 27, 2016, 10:21:36 AM
Somehow I always like seeing J sitting across from the Badgers at home meets way more than Brands...  just sayin'
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: dad 2 5 on May 27, 2016, 12:06:53 PM
Is Marko coming back to UW or does he go PSU or Iowa?
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: Ghetto on May 27, 2016, 12:19:47 PM
Quote from: dad 2 5 on May 27, 2016, 12:06:53 PM
Is Marko coming back to UW or does he go PSU or Iowa?

I would guess that would depend on who the next head coach at Minnesota is, and whether the administration would add additional sanctions to the program.  Would Brandon Paulsen be interested in the job?

I'm not sure Marko would go to either Penn State or Iowa.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: wrestlemania on May 28, 2016, 10:16:54 AM
The media in the Twin Cities is calling for his resignation, he has nobody to defend him now. If the U wants to get rid of him now's their chance. They basically put up with him because he teams won and never did anything so totally embarrassing that forced the school's hand. Until now...

He basically covered-up a drug ring on the team. That's what he did. He thought he could, as one media member put it "be the sheriff". Not in this day and age.

This isn't the first time his program has come under scrutiny for less-than-ethical practices, especially when it came to real estate. One gets the impression scheming for money to kick back to the program was something that was part of the culture of the program, so why should be a surprise that some team members thought selling drugs would be a more lucrative operation?

Say what you want about the Badger program but if the choice presented to me was mediocrity or shame and disgrace I'll take mediocrity every time. If winning means selling your soul go be a fan some other program.


Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: MNbadger on May 28, 2016, 10:26:23 AM
This appears to be legit and a very serious issue.  The rel estate stuff was utter nonsense.  Trust me, if that had been legit you would have seen it result in J being gone.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: 3wrestle on May 28, 2016, 08:18:25 PM
Quote from: wrestlemania on May 28, 2016, 10:16:54 AM
The media in the Twin Cities is calling for his resignation, he has nobody to defend him now. If the U wants to get rid of him now's their chance. They basically put up with him because he teams won and never did anything so totally embarrassing that forced the school's hand. Until now...

He basically covered-up a drug ring on the team. That's what he did. He thought he could, as one media member put it "be the sheriff". Not in this day and age.

This isn't the first time his program has come under scrutiny for less-than-ethical practices, especially when it came to real estate. One gets the impression scheming for money to kick back to the program was something that was part of the culture of the program, so why should be a surprise that some team members thought selling drugs would be a more lucrative operation?

Say what you want about the Badger program but if the choice presented to me was mediocrity or shame and disgrace I'll take mediocrity every time. If winning means selling your soul go be a fan some other program.




Except what if the coach did let the administration know and the coach can't comment while pending investigations are going on.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: imnofish on May 28, 2016, 10:07:11 PM
Quote from: 3wrestle on May 28, 2016, 08:18:25 PM
Quote from: wrestlemania on May 28, 2016, 10:16:54 AM
The media in the Twin Cities is calling for his resignation, he has nobody to defend him now. If the U wants to get rid of him now's their chance. They basically put up with him because he teams won and never did anything so totally embarrassing that forced the school's hand. Until now...

He basically covered-up a drug ring on the team. That's what he did. He thought he could, as one media member put it "be the sheriff". Not in this day and age.

This isn't the first time his program has come under scrutiny for less-than-ethical practices, especially when it came to real estate. One gets the impression scheming for money to kick back to the program was something that was part of the culture of the program, so why should be a surprise that some team members thought selling drugs would be a more lucrative operation?

Say what you want about the Badger program but if the choice presented to me was mediocrity or shame and disgrace I'll take mediocrity every time. If winning means selling your soul go be a fan some other program.




Except what if the coach did let the administration know and the coach can't comment while pending investigations are going on.


Then, we would once again be reminded of how irresponsible it is to draw conclusions without knowing all the facts.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: bigoil on May 28, 2016, 10:18:48 PM
Quote from: 3wrestle on May 28, 2016, 08:18:25 PM
Quote from: wrestlemania on May 28, 2016, 10:16:54 AM
The media in the Twin Cities is calling for his resignation, he has nobody to defend him now. If the U wants to get rid of him now's their chance. They basically put up with him because he teams won and never did anything so totally embarrassing that forced the school's hand. Until now...

He basically covered-up a drug ring on the team. That's what he did. He thought he could, as one media member put it "be the sheriff". Not in this day and age.

This isn't the first time his program has come under scrutiny for less-than-ethical practices, especially when it came to real estate. One gets the impression scheming for money to kick back to the program was something that was part of the culture of the program, so why should be a surprise that some team members thought selling drugs would be a more lucrative operation?

Say what you want about the Badger program but if the choice presented to me was mediocrity or shame and disgrace I'll take mediocrity every time. If winning means selling your soul go be a fan some other program.




Except what if the coach did let the administration know and the coach can't comment while pending investigations are going on.


Then there would have been dismissals and arrests for felony trafficking of prescription drugs.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: 3wrestle on May 28, 2016, 11:44:14 PM
Quote from: bigoil on May 28, 2016, 10:18:48 PM
Quote from: 3wrestle on May 28, 2016, 08:18:25 PM
Quote from: wrestlemania on May 28, 2016, 10:16:54 AM
The media in the Twin Cities is calling for his resignation, he has nobody to defend him now. If the U wants to get rid of him now's their chance. They basically put up with him because he teams won and never did anything so totally embarrassing that forced the school's hand. Until now...

He basically covered-up a drug ring on the team. That's what he did. He thought he could, as one media member put it "be the sheriff". Not in this day and age.

This isn't the first time his program has come under scrutiny for less-than-ethical practices, especially when it came to real estate. One gets the impression scheming for money to kick back to the program was something that was part of the culture of the program, so why should be a surprise that some team members thought selling drugs would be a more lucrative operation?

Say what you want about the Badger program but if the choice presented to me was mediocrity or shame and disgrace I'll take mediocrity every time. If winning means selling your soul go be a fan some other program.




Except what if the coach did let the administration know and the coach can't comment while pending investigations are going on.


Then there would have been dismissals and arrests for felony trafficking of prescription drugs.

That's why there is an investigation. To get to the bottom of what was and was not done.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: bulldog on May 31, 2016, 11:24:23 AM
http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2016/May/31/Statement-about-J-Robinson-from-his-agent

More regarding the Minnesota wrestling case....
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: TomM on May 31, 2016, 11:46:49 AM
RE: University of Minnesota Head Wrestling Coach J Paul Robinson from his agent James C. W. Bock, Esq.
By James C. W. Bock, Esq., of JCWB ESQ LLC | May 31, 2016, 11:47 a.m. (ET)

From: James C. W. Bock, Esq., of JCWB ESQ LLC
Date May 30, 2016
RE: University of Minnesota Head Wrestling Coach J Paul Robinson

Last Tuesday, May 24th, KMSP aired during their late evening news a report concerning University of Minnesota wrestlers' alleged drug use and alleged drug sales.

On Thursday, May 26th, a number of newspaper stories picked up the television report advancing more specific allegations against Coach Robinson.

The media coverage to date appears to be a self-circulating story based on one, anonymous source; blather from anonymous sources and a media environment that disperses what it wants to be true rather than what actually is true is troubling.

In late February / early March, Coach Robinson became suspicious members of the University of Minnesota wrestling team were using drugs.

Pursuant to University of Minnesota Department of Intercollegiate Athletics policy Coach Robinson notified his direct supervisor within the Athletic Department of his concerns. Coach Robinson specifically notified the interim Athletic Department Director as well, and of his desire to have specific wrestlers tested.

Coach Robinson was instructed he needed to complete a 'testing form' (i.e., The University of Minnesota Department of Intercollegiate Athletics Alcohol and Drug Testing Reasonable Suspicion Reporting Form) before requesting the testing of student athletes.

The 'reasonable suspicion' form was completed, and testing of student athletes took place on or about Monday, March 21st.

It was on March 25th the interim Athletic Director sent Coach Robinson the 2016 University of Minnesota Drug and Alcohol Policy in twenty pages via email.

The 'Drug and Alcohol Policy' states: "Any student-athlete who identifies him/herself as having a substance abuse problem may self-refer to the Department of Athletic Medicine to be entered into a Safe Harbor program pending approval of the Review Board."

Coach Robinson specifically informed the University through multiple channels of his knowledge of the situation. The University did not test the student athletes for Xanax.

Coach Robinson informed University staff of his specific concerns. As a result there are electronic communications between University employees within the University's control on these issues.

The University has now been placed on written notice the communications and electronically stored data in its control may not be damaged, altered and/or destroyed and must be available for future dissemination.

As of this date no specific person or identifiable employee of the University has made a statement of fact that can be corroborated.

The University has been asked to test athletes, has tested athletes and has not disclosed this fact or seemingly instructed its employee on how to deal with the consequences of its testing results and/or the serious allegations being advanced in the media by an anonymous wrestler.

Coach Robinson has earned respect over the past thirty years as one of the most honorable, loyal and successful coaches in University history.

Coach Robinson's accomplishments and loyalty to the University, to his teams, to the hundreds of student athletes he has coached, and to his fans, and detractors, would seem to be lost at this time. Fairness and appropriate disclosures by the University are at issue, and balanced coverage by the media of all facts is required.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: ElectricGuy on May 31, 2016, 07:21:11 PM
Quite a different side of the story.  If this is true, he survives.  Pending he didn't know about the dealing.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: imnofish on May 31, 2016, 08:25:54 PM
If this proves to be accurate, some media pukes owe J. Rob a public apology...   or maybe they'd rather be sued.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: hammen on May 31, 2016, 08:50:45 PM
But what about these texts that he sent to the team about bringing the pills to him, and the subsequent handling of those pills?
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: ElectricGuy on May 31, 2016, 09:48:01 PM
Quote from: hammen on May 31, 2016, 08:50:45 PM
But what about these texts that he sent to the team about bringing the pills to him, and the subsequent handling of those pills?

Can't assume he knew about dealing from text,  could of meant to be a text to users asking thank to "self report" like what school offered as an out.

As for subsequent handling of pills,  this release seams to put those facts into question.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: hammen on June 01, 2016, 08:44:19 AM
I put more weight toward the other sources (of which include prominent sports media) versus his lawyer at this time. It'll be interesting to see this unravel. Hope there is no wrong-doing by J-Rob and that he comes out unscathed. It's just difficult to see that happening at this point. This athletic department is a mess.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: imnofish on June 01, 2016, 09:10:24 AM
It is really getting old, seeing incidents tried in the court of (media-driven) public opinion.  Our nation has a legal system that is supposed to consider all relevant evidence, but reserve judgment until it has all been presented at trial.  These days, we are all-too-quick to disregard that process and the rights of the accused, unfortunately.  We love gossip too much.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: hammen on June 01, 2016, 10:15:33 AM
It will be interesting to see how/when the details unfold. The statement released by the lawyer doesn't discuss anything regarding the mass amounts of pills or the dealers, which is the big issue here - not the use.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: MarkK on June 01, 2016, 10:23:01 AM
Even when people make poor decisions the process of clearly understanding the facts and making a proper judgement takes time.  I agree the court of public opinion and the present lynch mob mentality has to give way to our system of justice.   I would hope that we would all be afforded the guarantees of the bill of rights.  Obviously something went extremely wrong here.   Sometimes there are unintended consequences for actions that at first seem to be in the best interest of everyone involved.  Sometimes those actions are not in their best interest andthe best interest of society.  In spite of our opinions, I hope real justice is found.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: Jimmy on June 01, 2016, 01:13:27 PM
Not to argue drew but isn't the possession and use of a controlled substance without a prescription illegal? And in fact a big deal?
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: imwi on June 01, 2016, 01:14:45 PM
Placed on administrative leave

http://www.flowrestling.org/article/42334-j-robinson-placed-on-administrative-leave (http://www.flowrestling.org/article/42334-j-robinson-placed-on-administrative-leave)
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: BOURNE on June 01, 2016, 01:37:04 PM
Quote from: thedecider on June 01, 2016, 09:58:37 AM
How did UW handle it when one of their wrestlers was using prescription drugs?

only one I know of had to sit out a semester.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: Ghetto on June 01, 2016, 02:15:02 PM
JRob put on administrative leave.

http://www.flowrestling.org/article/42334-j-robinson-placed-on-administrative-leave
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: bigoil on June 01, 2016, 02:36:23 PM
Quote from: Jimmy on June 01, 2016, 01:13:27 PM
Not to argue drew but isn't the possession and use of a controlled substance without a prescription illegal? And in fact a big deal?
not compared to 1400 or 2800 pills which would be a felony distribution, not making light of illegal use by any means but I'm sure there are 10,000's offenders in the NCAA between drinking before 21 or smoking pot.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: hammen on June 01, 2016, 03:38:12 PM
Right - the bigger issue is with respect to the illegal dealing of drugs. Felony and potential jail time. Not saying the use of unprescribed drugs isn't a big deal, it's just not nearly as big as dealing.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: ramjet on June 01, 2016, 04:24:26 PM
Class 4 drug that said the investigation has to be completed before any conclusions can be drawn.

Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: bigG on June 06, 2016, 09:17:22 AM
Quote from: imnofish on June 01, 2016, 09:10:24 AM
It is really getting old, seeing incidents tried in the court of (media-driven) public opinion.  Our nation has a legal system that is supposed to consider all relevant evidence, but reserve judgment until it has all been presented at trial.  These days, we are all-too-quick to disregard that process and the rights of the accused, unfortunately.  We love gossip too much.

If JRob had turned YOU into a newt, you'd big singin' a diffrint song!!

I got better.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: BOURNE on June 09, 2016, 10:12:08 AM
Wasn't able to process the "newt" thing...
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: Handles II on June 09, 2016, 10:19:25 AM
It was a reference to judging before the evidence was examined, burning "witches". Ie "witches" were often burned to see if they actually were witches. If they died in the fire, they weren't a witch.
And of course it was a very funny Holy Grail quote.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: bigG on June 09, 2016, 12:26:39 PM
Quote from: BOURNE on June 09, 2016, 10:12:08 AM
Wasn't able to process the "newt" thing...

Sorry. It was a reference to monty Python and the Holy Grail and the legal system of medieval England. I was hoping someone would pick up on that. We were just using that line a few months ago when talking favorite movies or something.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrzMhU_4m-g

I forget that some of you are (gulp) young.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: BOURNE on June 10, 2016, 08:45:12 AM
 ;D  Appreciate the "young" thing!  Although I'm probably not as young as some on here as my youngest was a Badger Wrestler for five years and is now a productive citizen outside of Camp Randall.
Had to click on your youtube clip. Was never a huge Monty Python follower and I didn't remember the newt thing. Very funny. I'll be able to keep up next time.  :-)
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: imnofish on June 12, 2016, 12:10:56 AM
Quote from: bigG on June 06, 2016, 09:17:22 AM
Quote from: imnofish on June 01, 2016, 09:10:24 AM
It is really getting old, seeing incidents tried in the court of (media-driven) public opinion.  Our nation has a legal system that is supposed to consider all relevant evidence, but reserve judgment until it has all been presented at trial.  These days, we are all-too-quick to disregard that process and the rights of the accused, unfortunately.  We love gossip too much.

If JRob had turned YOU into a newt, you'd big singin' a diffrint song!!

I got better.

Yes, but does he weigh the same as a duck?
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: bigG on June 13, 2016, 06:58:31 AM
A WIIIITCH!!!!

(That's justice)

JRob has coached since forever. I can't think of a time when he came up dirty.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: littleguy301 on June 24, 2016, 10:45:29 PM
I hear that Jrob moved his camp to the U of RF.

Can someone say border battle lol
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: TomM on June 30, 2016, 06:21:41 AM
No charges after drug investigation of Minnesota wrestlers

http://host.madison.com/sports/no-charges-after-drug-investigation-of-minnesota-wrestlers/article_f13de0d2-fe67-5bfd-8ee9-80b99d66f573.html
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: Ivan Stankowski on June 30, 2016, 06:51:04 AM
http://www.startribune.com/no-charges-against-u-of-m-wrestlers-accused-of-using-selling-xanax/384927011/
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: hammen on June 30, 2016, 08:01:51 AM
Police report: http://stmedia.startribune.com/documents/UMat1.pdf (http://stmedia.startribune.com/documents/UMat1.pdf)
Wrestler essay: http://stmedia.startribune.com/documents/UMat+wrestler%27s+essay.pdf (http://stmedia.startribune.com/documents/UMat+wrestler%27s+essay.pdf)
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: ckwrestler on June 30, 2016, 09:30:33 AM
Quote from: hammen on June 30, 2016, 08:01:51 AM
Wrestler essay: http://stmedia.startribune.com/documents/UMat+wrestler%27s+essay.pdf (http://stmedia.startribune.com/documents/UMat+wrestler%27s+essay.pdf)

Was the blackout supposed to make it anonymous?  The writer states the names of competition @ his weight. 
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: Ivan Stankowski on June 30, 2016, 12:43:20 PM
Quote from: ckwrestler on June 30, 2016, 09:30:33 AM
Quote from: hammen on June 30, 2016, 08:01:51 AM
Wrestler essay: http://stmedia.startribune.com/documents/UMat+wrestler%27s+essay.pdf (http://stmedia.startribune.com/documents/UMat+wrestler%27s+essay.pdf)

Was the blackout supposed to make it anonymous?  The writer states the names of competition @ his weight. 

Yes that sure narrows it down doesn't it
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: hammen on June 30, 2016, 03:40:12 PM
And sounds like an upperclassman - think that only leaves one person on the roster at that weight.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: npope on June 30, 2016, 05:19:07 PM
I'm sorry, but a one page essay as the penalty for a possible felony act? Puhleeeeeese. At its very best, that is just plain weak. Kids doing drugs and/or selling drugs needs to be handled at a level beyond the coaching staff - especially if that staff thinks having the kid write a one page "apology" is sufficient punishment.

While I understand that the DA doesn't find sufficient evidence to pursue the case, the commentary in the letter presented on this forum reveals that the kid was clearly culpable - he (as well as any number of others) were doing bad stuff and a one page essay isn't sufficient punishment. JRob should have simply turned the entire mess over to higher ups and stepped away.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: hammen on June 30, 2016, 07:54:04 PM
That police report paints a dark picture. I can't see J-Rob staying employed there after reading that. If he does, who's to say it wouldn't happen again? Good to see Becker and Eggum detached from all of this.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: MNbadger on June 30, 2016, 10:58:52 PM
Quote from: littleguy301 on June 24, 2016, 10:45:29 PM
I hear that Jrob moved his camp to the U of RF.

Can someone say border battle lol
Certainly a bit ironic.
Title: Brandon Eggum Named Acting Head Coach For Gopher Wrestling
Post by: TomM on August 01, 2016, 06:03:20 PM
Brandon Eggum Named Acting Head Coach For Gopher Wrestling

http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-wrestl/spec-rel/080116aaa.html

Aug. 1, 2016
The University of Minnesota today announced that Brandon Eggum has been named the acting head coach of the school's wrestling program. Eggum will assume this new position immediately.

"Given the University's internal investigation of Coach Robinson, it is important to have clear and continued leadership as the program prepares for the 2016-17 academic year," said Minnesota Director of Athletics Mark Coyle. "Coach Eggum is an effective leader and will ensure continued stability within the wrestling program."

Eggum joined Minnesota's coaching staff in 2001 immediately after finishing his wrestling career with the Gophers.

As a wrestler at Minnesota, Eggum was both a four-time letterwinner and a four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree. He finished his final three seasons as an All-American and won two individual Big Ten titles. He ranks among the program's 20 best all-time in wins and winning percentage. On the international level, Eggum won silver medals at the 2001 World and 2002 Pan American Freestyle Championships.

As a coach, Eggum has been with the Minnesota staff for each of the program's three national titles, as well as five Big Ten team championships. Gopher wrestlers have won 27 individual conference crowns and 62 All-America medals with Eggum on staff. He has served as the program's head assistant coach for the past five seasons.

The University is conducting an ongoing internal investigation into Head Coach J Robinson and allegations made against him earlier this year. Robinson is currently on administrative leave.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: imwi on August 30, 2016, 11:48:07 AM
Short interview with J'Rob

http://www.flowrestling.org/article/45715-j-robinson-speaks-out-for-first-time-since-investigation (http://www.flowrestling.org/article/45715-j-robinson-speaks-out-for-first-time-since-investigation)



Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: MNbadger on August 30, 2016, 10:34:02 PM
Actually, he did.  He reported it earier on and the administration were the ones who elected to wait until later to act (referring to your last sentence).
I was pretty disappointed about this and thought j was wrong but the more I read of the facts and so on, it looks like the admin messed up.  If they hadn't he would not hold the strong position he is holding now.  If he wasin the wrong as they claim, he would have ben gone lickety-split.

Quote from: npope on June 30, 2016, 05:19:07 PM
I'm sorry, but a one page essay as the penalty for a possible felony act? Puhleeeeeese. At its very best, that is just plain weak. Kids doing drugs and/or selling drugs needs to be handled at a level beyond the coaching staff - especially if that staff thinks having the kid write a one page "apology" is sufficient punishment.

While I understand that the DA doesn't find sufficient evidence to pursue the case, the commentary in the letter presented on this forum reveals that the kid was clearly culpable - he (as well as any number of others) were doing bad stuff and a one page essay isn't sufficient punishment. JRob should have simply turned the entire mess over to higher ups and stepped away.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: Ivan Stankowski on August 31, 2016, 06:45:05 AM
He is getting hosed and will be the fall guy.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: aarons23 on September 07, 2016, 03:54:39 PM
He got let go today.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: imnofish on September 08, 2016, 01:54:30 AM
Quote from: aarons23 on September 07, 2016, 03:54:39 PM
He got let go today.

New A.D. is flexing his muscles.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: Jimmy on September 08, 2016, 01:32:45 PM
Imo the school and jrob are both victims of a group of kids. The kids used the drugs.the kids sold the drugs. The kids sat idley by while a great coach and program suffer. The kids get to go on with their careers and education. There is something wrong with this scenario .
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: hammen on September 08, 2016, 07:15:36 PM
Quote from: Jimmy on September 08, 2016, 01:32:45 PM
Imo the school and jrob are both victims of a group of kids. The kids used the drugs.the kids sold the drugs. The kids sat idley by while a great coach and program suffer. The kids get to go on with their careers and education. There is something wrong with this scenario .

The latter is ultimately what J Rob wanted, isn't it? Hopefully they learned a hard lesson, at the cost of J Rob and the program.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: Jimmy on September 09, 2016, 09:02:18 PM
I don't know Drew, good ?.His actions say it was, but his interview on WCCO says he has nor never would protect someone from justice.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: TomM on September 10, 2016, 03:19:38 PM
J Robinson
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/tag/j-robinson/


Gophers Wrestling Coach J Robinson Speaks Out On His Firing
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2016/09/08/gophers-wrestling-coach-j-robinson-xanax/


J Robinson Fired As Gophers Wrestling Coach
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2016/09/07/j-robinson-fired-gophers-wrestling-coach/?e=vvjE26ChYwC4OA
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: npope on September 11, 2016, 04:47:21 PM
Quote from: Jimmy on September 09, 2016, 09:02:18 PM
I don't know Drew, good ?.His actions say it was, but his interview on WCCO says he has nor never would protect someone from justice.

I guess nothing says "justice" like having to write a one page paper about the felony one has committed.

I don't think anyone has challenged the allegation that the wrestlers in question were using and illegally selling narcotics. While "justice" would seem to lie in the eyes of the beholder, a one page paper of contrition for committing a felony???? I guess JRob's expectations and standards as to what constitutes "justice" are a bit different than mine might be in that same situation.
Title: Re: J Rob
Post by: TLV on September 11, 2016, 05:00:50 PM
Quote from: npope on September 11, 2016, 04:47:21 PM
Quote from: Jimmy on September 09, 2016, 09:02:18 PM
I don't know Drew, good ?.His actions say it was, but his interview on WCCO says he has nor never would protect someone from justice.

I guess nothing says "justice" like having to write a one page paper about the felony one has committed.

I don't think anyone has challenged the allegation that the wrestlers in question were using and illegally selling narcotics. While "justice" would seem to lie in the eyes of the beholder, a one page paper of contrition for committing a felony???? I guess JRob's expectations and standards as to what constitutes "justice" are a bit different than mine might be in that same situation.

I agree with you.
And I"m getting a little peeved about how folks on the Minny board keep using the word "snitch" for the guy who blew the whistle on the illegal activities. It sound like "omertà" as used by the Mafia. The guy should be  praised for blowing the whistle.  I'm a believer in the Honor Code of the Cadets at the USMA:  Don't lie or cheat or steal, or tolerate anyone who does.