Rodriguez cost Michigan $6.6 million last year

Big Ten Blog

January, 23, 2009

Jan 23

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By Adam Rittenberg

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

I'm definitely among those who think Rich Rodriguez still will earn his keep at Michigan, but his first-year tab for the university was a tough one to swallow, especially in rough economic times.

The Ann Arbor News reported that Michigan's athletic department paid $4.1 million last year to cover part of Rodriguez's buyout owed to his former employer, West Virginia. Rodriguez settled a lawsuit with West Virginia on July 9, agreeing to pick up $1.5 million of the buyout while Michigan paid $2.5 million.

From The Ann Arbor News:

"With the $2.5 million buyout figure considered compensation for Rodriguez, Michigan decided to make the necessary tax payments 'in order that Rodriguez not be unduly burdened or distracted in connection with the performance of his duties hereunder,' according to his contract.

"The tax obligations paid last year by the athletic department on its portion of the buyout totaled a little more than $1.6 million."

Add the $4.1 million with Rodriguez's $2.5 million total compensation from last year, and Michigan paid $6.6 million for its head football coach in 2008.

Not to sound too mean, but that's $2.2 million per victory. Ouch.

Tags:

Michigan Wolverines, Michigan Wolverines, West Virginia Mountaineers, Rich Rodriguez

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