In a piece praising the play of Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson, we opined that the transfer rumors hanging around Tate Forcier would pick up volume after last year’s season-long starter was buried at No. 3 on the depth chart for the opener.
Forcier opened that can of worms following Michigan’s 30-10 win over UConn, and his father quickly attempted to shove the critters back in.
In the immediate aftermath of a huge win for the program, Forcier was asked by AnnArbor.com if he had a minute to talk. Forcier had eight words worth of time, and encapsulated his current situation with very little said.
“All you need to know is I’m out,” Forcier reportedly said.
Shortly after that quote hit the web, Forcier’s father took steps to tamp out the rumor fire.
Speaking to the Associated Press, Michael Forcier said it’s “150-percent fact” his son is staying at Michigan. The elder Forcier blamed his son’s comments on frustration.
if that’s indeed the case, the frustration has been brewing for a few months. After starting every game in 2009, Forcier found himself in a three-way battle for the starting job as spring practice commenced. As the offseason progressed, it became clear that both Devin Gardner and, especially, Denard Robinson had a legitimate shot at grabbing what once was Forcier’s.
Before Saturday, the low point for Forcier was being publicly called out by a teammate for a questionable work ethic and being a borderline disease in the locker room. Then, just to pile on, having his coach publicly side with that point of view.
Regardless of the spin being put on by his family, is clear that Forcier is not only unhappy with his situation now, but will continue to be that way for the foreseeable future. For all involved, but especially a football program that’s looking to get back to where they once were on the conference and national scene,it would be best to cut bait right now. Not in a couple months, or even a couple of weeks. Right. Now.
All parties would be better off with a parting of the ways, instead of allowing the rumors and speculation that will surely ensue dominate the discussion if Forcier remains a Wolverine.