Those within the Big Ten Conference aren’t presenting a united front on the topic of freshman ineligibility.
A week ago, the league was trying to drum up interest among its members to support a potential rule change. University of Maryland president Wallace Loh even came out publicly in support of the possibility.
The league has yet to officially propose any changes but it wants to continue the “national conversation.”
Apparently, Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio didn’t get the memo.Mark Dantonio on the idea of freshmen ineligibility - “If you’re ready to play, if you’re the best player, you should play.” #MSUThanksBTN
— Sean Merriman (@BTNSean) February 26, 2015
Dantonio’s comment clearly isn’t just a chance to appeal to recruits. He doesn’t appear to be an advocate of the rule in any form or fashion.
The coach could have worded his answer differently in order to tow the party line. He didn’t. He stated freshmen should play if they’re good enough after being directly asked about the issue.
If the Big Ten Conference wants the possibility of freshman ineligibility to become more than a national conversation, the league needs to develop support from its coaches.
