I heard the same from both MSU football coach Mark Dantonio and MSU athletic director Mark Hollis-- not much accomplished at last week's Big Ten meetings in Chicago.  Dantonio told me Thursday that politics play a big role in determining policy and he was diplomatic not to go much farther than that.  I asked him about an early signing date for football as there is in other sports and he clearly supports that.  He needs the Big Ten to lead the way and while it was discussed in Chicago, no action was taken.  The schedule policy wasn't changed nor was the league's bowl lineup either.  Mark Hollis was quoted in the Lansing State Journal as saying the meetings were "boring" and he expressed much of the same sentiment to me last week.

     The February meetings will be conducted by conference call to save money-- I guess that's some progress anyway.  It frustrates coaches and athletic directors when there is so much foot dragging on obvious reform that is needed in so many collegiate areas.  They are holdiing the company line as much as they can but behind closed doors you wonder what frustrations they must express about changes that would improve their jobs but are unlikely to see anytime soon.

     As for Dantonio, his next public appearance is Friday night on Channel Ten at the Children's Miracle Network telethon.  He is the new honorary chairman, replacing Ron Mason, who retired at 18 years.  Dantonio will lead the cast from 9-11:30pm Friday and again Saturday from 10am to 6pm.

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