Withdrawal of Michigan from the Big 10
Recent actions by the Big 10 Conference and its Commissioner have demonstrated: (a) that the Commissioner and a significant number of the Conference's constituent members have an animus against the University of Michigan, and seek to maliciously denigrate its reputation and impair its ability to compete athletically; (b) that to achieve that end, the Big 10 is willing to ignore its own rules, regulations, procedures and precedents; and (c) that in a rush to an unfair and premature judgment, the Conference has knowingly and intentionally disregarded all norms of due process and fundamental fairness. In light of these developments -- and with full appreciation for the potential ramifications and consequences that could result from the request made below -- the undersigned alumni, students, faculty, staff, athletic ticket holders and friends of the University of Michigan hereby petition and urge the Regents and President of the University to investigate and explore withdrawal from the Big 10 Conference, with a view toward either affiliating with another conference or operating independently, whichever is deemed most conducive to Michigan's principles, the best interests of its student athletes, and the financial requirements of its athletic programs. As a certain coach recently said, "you want to be somewhere you're wanted." It is clear to the undersigned petitioners that Michigan is not wanted in the Big 10. It's time to find a place it IS wanted.
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