There was always going to be tension when ESPN and GameDay made an appearance at a Michigan Wolverines game, and the encounter against Ohio lived up to its pre-match billing.
ESPN have been accused by Michigan fans of stoking the flames of the sign stealing saga.
GameDay host Rece Davis backed sideline reporter Pete Thamel after threats against his safety had been made and explained why he did his broadcasting at the stadium rather than at the show’s outdoor event.
https://x.com/awfulannouncing/status/1729113843102564673
Fellow panellist Desmond Howard, a Michigan alumnus from 1988 to 1991, was more scathing, telling Thamel to, “Put your big boy pants on.”
“We’re just taking care of it,” explained Davis to which Howard responded, “We’ve got security. The guys are nice out here, they’re nice fans. They’re not going to do anything.”
With the sign stealing saga still ongoing and likely to fester for years Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh may find life a little more awkward as he tries to transition back into the NFL.
Howard reacted like any Michigan supporters, but we doubt Thamel will be buying the former Superbowl champion a bud light anytime soon.
Howard, a former Superbowl MVP is the only special team’s player to win that honor, after returning a kick off for a 99-yard touchdown.
