Michigan Football Players Respond to Media Criticism with Unity and Success
Michigan's starting center, Drake Nugent, found amusement in the unfavorable media coverage that the Michigan football team received throughout their undefeated regular season. Despite the negative attention, Nugent believed that the team's success was a like a "big middle finger" to the critics. Nugent pointed out the various controversies surrounding the team, such as the sign-stealing scandal, and found it comical that they were able to win despite the media distractions.
The media coverage of the sign-stealing scandal and the resulting three-game suspension of coach Jim Harbaugh seemed to have little impact on the attitudes of the Michigan players. Roman Wilson, a wide receiver, brushed off the allegations made by Alabama players about their practice film, stating that every team they face will try to find something to say. Wilson noted that the negativity only fuels the team's motivation to prove people wrong.
Junior Colson, a linebacker for Michigan, mentioned that the team doesn't hold grudges but remembers everything that has been said or done to them. Despite the off-the-field issues, players who met with the media conveyed that Harbaugh remains unfazed by the outside negativity. In fact, offensive lineman Trevor Keegan suggested that Harbaugh actually enjoys the criticism and handles it with humor.
Nugent agreed, stating that Harbaugh has embraced the role of the "bad guy." As the season progressed, Harbaugh's ability to rally the team and maintain a positive mindset became evident. Nugent acknowledged that while some players may complain, there are always teammates ready to put them back in their place and remind them to stay focused.
Overall, the Michigan players have learned to laugh off the media coverage and use it as motivation to prove themselves on the field. Nugent, as a graduate student and transfer, recognized that some of his teammates may have struggled more with the negativity, but ultimately, the team remains united and determined to succeed.
