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thanks for the insight "Michigan Dave!" I always appreciate a direct take from the guys on those teams.
Just to clear up a few things..I've never been involved with Michigan in any way. I have nothing against the school and respect the tradition at UM, but I'd never identify myself as a fan per se. I am a passionate college football fan in a general sense. In terms of a "slant," my only objective was to present the facts -- through articles and first-person accounts -- and let you the reader make up your own mind. I went to pretty extreme lengths to get source material for this very reason -- rather than merely present my own opinions/commentary.
As Michigan Dave alluded, Tom shifted fan sentiment in his favor by winning games and playing well -- and that's the inspiring bit to the story, that he overcame the odds. Although the deck was stacked against him from the start, the local press -- with a few exceptions -- was largely in Tom's favor from the start...I have also evidenced this throughout.
As Michigan Dave also points out, the players were largely in favor of playing Tom...Lloyd Carr knew this. Although I don't know Drew, by all accounts he's a great guy...seems to be doing ok with the Rhein Fire too
But I want to emhpasize that there was heavy political pressure on Carr that the players (and many coaches) did not understand. I also want to emphasize that it was indeed a very difficult experience for Tom -- many, but not all, of the players knew this too...but TB would agree with Michigan Dave that it helped make him who he is today. No hard feelings...
For what it's worth, Tom's dad enjoyed it as did his future biographer CP Pierce -- I'm also involved with the book which is currently scheduled to come out near the end of the year.
I'm glad some of you enjoyed it...thanks for the feedback.
cheers!
Brendan
Cambridge
p.s. I'm sure it's on the longish side -- my goal was to be as comprehensive and definitive as possible -- so I had to sacrifice the idea of an "easy read." I hope you'll still find it rewarding to trudge through in any event.