Wednesday, February 5, 2020 • DailyCampus.com 12

Point/Counterpoint: Did Patrick Mahomes deserve to win Super Bowl MVP? by Jorge Eckardt, STAFF WRITER, off. Mahomes came back from [email protected] a very rough first three quar- and Ashton Stansel, ters and threw good footballs CAMPUS CORRESPONENT for good plays to good receiv- [email protected] ers. Given that you can’t give On Sunday, the Kansas City the MVP to the whole offense, Chiefs defeated the San Fran- it seems fitting that Mahomes, cisco 49ers to win their first Su- who was the centerpiece, re- per Bowl in 50 years, propelled ceive it. Hill, Watkins and by a fourth-quarter comeback Williams were good all game, where they outscored the 49ers but that didn’t stop their team 21-0. Quarterback Patrick Ma- from being significantly down homes was named the game’s in the fourth quarter. And MVP despite having one of his while their routes were good, it more shaky performances of was the throws that made the the season, so was he really the plays happen. What did turn right choice? Ashton Stansel that game around and cause and Jorge Eckardt debate. a victory for the Chiefs was Stansel: Mahomes’ resurgence. He was I think Mahomes was the what turned the game around right choice. He definitely had a and created openings for the shaky start to the game, throw- Chiefs to win. ing two interceptions and gen- Eckardt: erally failing to get his team Mahomes’ errors earlier in off the ground, but that didn’t the game can’t be ignored. He matter when it was important: threw an absolute duck to Fred What mattered at the end of the Warner about two-thirds of the game was that Mahomes took way through the third quar- the ball in the fourth quarter ter and then another pick on a and made magic happen. His pass that was thrown well be- offense scored 21 points in the hind Hill, causing it to go off fourth quarter, largely on the his hands and into the hands back of Mahomes, who was ex- of Tavarius Moore early in the ceptional. fourth. The first pick led to Eckardt: seven San Fransisco points, The quarterback doesn’t al- and the second one took what ways have to win the MVP, as we would have most likely been Under a shower of confetti, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, left, responds saw last year with Julian Edel- to cheering fans with Mickey Mouse during a parade in the team’s honor at the Magic Kingdom three points off the board, see- man after a rather uninspiring at Walt Disney World, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Monday, Feb. 3, 2020. ing as they were already in field performance from Tom Brady. goal range. He also fumbled the PHOTOGRAPH BY JOE BURBANK, AP Yes, Mahomes was the quar- ball twice, but he was just lucky terback behind the comeback, drive was thanks to Watkins season; Williams finished the this game. San Francisco dared enough to fall on one and have but he would not have been able taking advantage of the slower game with 104 yards all by him- Kansas City to run the ball to the other go out of bounds. Ma- to do so without the excellence Richard Sherman and beating self. That included two touch- try to prevent Mahomes from homes just didn’t have a typical of his supporting cast. The big him off the line of scrimmage. downs: the 38-yard touchdown beating them, and Williams did Mahomes day. Did he make it completion to Tyreek Hill on Most of all, Damien Williams rush to ice the game and one of a great job of making them pay. work? Yes, but his success was third and long was thanks to a was able to do something not Mahomes’ two passing touch- Stansel: because of the excellent play of crispy route from Hill that got many players have been able downs. Arguments could be While the plays and routes the people around him, not the San Francisco’s Jimmie Ward to do against the 49ers all sea- made for Hill or Watkins with from receivers like Hill and other way around. Mahomes is spinning in circles and left him son, and that’s run the ball. San their two big plays accompanied Watkins were impressive, a still the best quarterback in the wide open. The big completion Francisco had given up just by overall very solid games, but lesser quarterback wouldn’t league, but the credit for Sunday to Sammy Watkins on the next 41.5 yards per game in the post- Williams was the true MVP of have been able to pull them should go to his supporting cast. Column: Best and worst January rundown by Ashton Stansel and G2’s victory over transfer in the Premier League CAMPUS CORRESPONDENT only solidifies their place at [email protected] the top of the leaderboard in by David Sandoval LPL delayed Europe. and Origen CAMPUS CORRESPONDENT The LPL, China’s League of are battling for second place, [email protected] Legends League, which was though Origen did win their This January was a quiet — meant to be restarting on Feb. matchup this week. If Fnatic some would even say disap- 5, has been delayed due to can claim a win versus G2 this pointing — transfer window the coronavirus outbreak in week, they’ll be solidly back in in the Premier League. That China. The official LPL English the conversation, but for now, isn’t to say however there Twitter account tweeted out it seems like Origen, on the weren’t notable transfers that last week, “We have decided backs of Upset and Nukeduck, went under the radar. Today, to postpone Week 2 of the LPL might get their wish of being I’ll go over what I believe was until we can ensure the safety the team that gets to challenge the best and worst transfer and health of our players and G2. from in and out of England. fans.” No more news has come and Dignitas won Best: Bruno Fernandes through in the last week on the the offseason (Sporting CP to Manches- questions of what this delay Coming into the season, ter United) will do to the international many people questioned the I hate to admit it, but United schedule, especially since decisions made by Cloud9 actually had a pretty decent Worlds is supposed to be in and Dignitas. Cloud9 replaced transfer window — mainly China this year. their botlaner Sneaky, who because of their purchase of LCK to start on time had been with the team since Bruno Fernandes, but I di- Many were concerned that 2013, with TSM’s , and gress. the LCK, Korea’s League of sold MVP jungler Fernandes essentially Legends League, would also be and support Zeyzal. To replace saved United’s transfer win- postponed. Thankfully, that them, they promoted Blaber, dow, and for good reason: isn’t the case; Riot Korea has their academy jungler who had He’s incredibly good. Many announced that LCK will be previously subbed in for some fans saw how he was per- starting on Feb. 5 as planned. games, to full-time jungler forming at Sporting CP, and However, until further notice, and bought talented support from his long shots that end Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes controls the ball, during the matches will be played Vulcan from Dignitas in a the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester up going to the back of the net United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, at Old Trafford, in Man- without an audience due to the deal that reportedly cost over to his skills on the ball, it’s chester, England, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020. PHOTO BY MARTIN RICKETT, PA VIA risks of coronavirus. a million dollars, according to clear why other English clubs AP PHOTO G2 continues dominance, an ESPN report at that time. wanted him. played one game under Ole tiano Ronaldo, for example. Origen and Fnatic fight for Despite concern from fans, While there were rumors Gunnar Solskjaer, I think Will history repeat itself? second Cloud9 has started the season of the Portuguese midfield- he’ll adapt to the league and Only time, and Ole’s ques- Despite only getting second with a strong statement, going er joining other Premier will be a key player for Man- tionable tactics, will tell. place at Worlds last year, 4-0 in their first two weeks League clubs like Tottenham chester United. Worst: Chelsea FC (spoil- G2 hasn’t slowed including a win against four- Hotspur last transfer win- All I will say is, Sporting er alert, they didn’t sign down. A surprise offseason time champions . dow, he ended up signing for have given players to United anyone) move that sent back to that end up being legends at the Red Devils for $60.5 mil- See CHELSEA, p. 10 midlane and Caps to bot lane See LEAGUE, p. 10 lion. Even though he’s only Old Trafford: Nani and Cris- seems to be working so far,

THIS WEEKEND IN UCONN SPORTS INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY TWEETS OF THE DAY Jeremy Stephner (51) @whutyearisit Women’s Basketball vs. if i wake up and find out steve cohen’s just been playing 5D chess this whole time i’ll Men’s Basketball literally never complain about anything Thursday, p.m. ever again. i will never say a mean word vs. Tulsa, OK toward anyone for as long as i live Jessica Kleinschmidt @KleinschmidtJD vs. I’m “Wilmer Flores is now considered a   veteran” years-old. Women’s Hockey Friday,  p.m. @NFL Burlington, VT The pick that sealed #SBLIV for the @chiefs! Follow The Daily Campus @dcsportsdept Wednesday, February 5, 2020 • DailyCampus.com 11 Sports Hey Seanny J: What were the best Super Bowl commercials? by Sean Janos STAFF WRITER [email protected]

Maybe you used the breaks in action to use the bathroom, get more food or scroll social media for buzz around the game. For whatever reason, you may have missed a por- tion of those classic Super Bowl commercials your friends will talk about for the next week or so. As someone who was glued to his seat the entire time, I will filter out all of the duds and just give you the highlights from Sunday evening. Here are the top 10:

The Tide Trilogy Charlie Day, best known as lovable idiot Charlie Kelly in “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” starred in three commercials that aired periodically throughout the big game. The commercial started with Charlie’s friend Emily Hampshire accidently rubbing a stain on Charlie’s shirt. Charlie wanted to take care of the stain immediately, but couldn’t because the game was on. This ironically could’ve been solved with Tide to Go, but whatever. During the second quarter, he traveled back in time, where he got ridiculed by the Bud Light Knight. Then in the fourth, as an old man and finally with a clean shirt, he ran into his old friend Emily who went to congratulate Charlie with a pat on the shoulder. And guess what … she stains his jacket. Classic!

Post Malone trashes a gas station In this one, Post Malone goes to the gas station for a cold, refreshing brew. It probably isn’t uncommon to run into your favorite rapper at the gas station refrigerator. Anyway, the new product Bud Light Seltzer catches his eye, and the well-dressed, yet hilariously tattooed people in his brain controlling his actions decide to try it. You know, because it’s totally acceptable to crack open a gas station beer and drink before paying for it. His taste buds love it, and the two people in control of the big movement lever fight over whether to get the seltzer or classic Bud Light, which results in Malone flinging his body all over the gas station, knocking down shelves and effectively destroying the place. That’s when another person in his brain points out that Post is rich and hits the “Get Both” button that the only the extremely wealthy must have.

Bryan Cranston does the Dew Personally, I thought this one was hilarious. The only alternative is to think it’s super weird. Cranston parodies the iconic “Here’s Johnny” scene from “The Shining,” but while pushing Mountain Dew Zero Sugar on Wendy. When Wendy accepts the soda through the busted bathroom door, Cranston gives a hilarious smile and nod reminiscent of his days as Hal in Malcolm in the Middle. The commercial ends with quick cuts of Mountain Dew flooding the halls of the Overlook Hotel and Cranston’s face on the twin girls. Disturbing, yet jarringly funny.

Remember Loretta Google decided to switch gears from the typical humor or excitement that Super Bowl commercials usually try to invoke and went straight for the heart. All jokes aside, this one was a tear-jerker. An elderly man, seemingly with impaired memory, is typing and speaking to Google asking about faded memories he has of his late wife Loretta. Old photos of man and woman throughout the years fade onto and away from the screen, as the man remembers things like how Loretta laughed and the things she loved. Not many companies can execute the emotional route, but Google did it well.

Turbo Tax dance I think this has to be the most underrated commercial of the night. This one played all of the greatest hits in terms of what makes a commercial stick in your head in the weeks to come, and with perfect timing. It had the super catchy song, the goofy yet simple dance to go with it and perhaps the most genius part of all, it came “Smaht Pahk” just over a week after we all got If Boston sports rub you out W-2s for tax season. Now the wrong way, or you think sing it with me, “All people are Boston accents are annoying, tax people!” this one isn’t for you. Various famous Boston celebrities such as Chris Evans, John Krasinski, Rachel Dratch and David Ortiz do their best, most obnoxious Boston accents while talking about a Hyundai Sonata’s new Smart Park feature. Of course, they abandon the use of the letter “r.” John brags about all of the different “pahts” of Boston Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, center, celebrates with wife Tammy, right, and for- that he was able to “pahk his mer UConn fullback Anthony Sherman after Super Bowl 54 against the San Francisco 49ers, cah” using this feature. Big Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Chiefs won 31-20. PHOTO BY PATRICK SEMANSKY, AP Papi calls this “wicked smaht.”

Tom Brady has live sports We’re staying in Boston for this one. In case you missed it, Thursday night Brady dropped a cryptic photo of him walking through a dark Gillette Stadium tunnel. Football fans, especially those who root for and against the Patriots, spent the days leading up to Sunday speculating. Is he retiring? Is he staying? Will he sign somewhere else? Saturday, he leaked that we will find out during the Super Bowl, because of course every Super Bowl has to be about Tom freaking Brady. As it turns out, this was just an elaborate ploy to let us know that Hulu doesn’t just have live sports, but they have all sorts of other crap, too. I wonder how big the Brink’s truck Hulu “pahked” outside Brady’s house for this one was.

RIP Mr Peanut Babies are hot in the streets right now. With the insane popularity of Disney’s Baby Yoda, I anticipate brands will all want to get on board the baby train. Planters did so in a big way, by reporting that Mr. Peanut has died, and that his funeral will be a Super Bowl commercial. At the funeral, the Kool Aid man shed a tear (that wasn’t even red) on to Mr. Peanut’s grave, which created a peanut plant and spawned none other than Baby Nut. This adolescent legume then made dolphin noises for some reason because saying in an adult voice, “Just kidding, I’m back,” and the hashtag #BabyNut appeared on screen. I really didn’t like the commercial until I saw this absurd hashtag. Now I’m on board, baby (nut).

Old Town dance off Speaking of trendy, does it get any more trendy than Lil Nas X and “Old Town Road?” It’s no surprise that Doritos, who consistently pumps out fire Super Bowl advertising every February, got the hottest song of 2019. In this, Lil Nas rides into a wild west town called “Cool Ranch” for what seemed like a duel with Sam Elliot. The music from “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” then turns into “Old Town Road,” and the two have a dance off. It appeared that Nas X won for a nice little dance move he did with his horse, while Elliot’s horse refused to dance. However, I think Elliot won with his mustache wave.

Jason Momoa gets comfortable This one was the best. Ask literally anyone. Rocket Mortgage burst onto the scene with one of the funniest commercials I’ve ever seen. Notable jacked guy Jason Momoa gets home from a long day of … well I assume moving worlds, and says home is the one place he can let his guard down. He then proceeds to remove the boots that add six inches, the muscles that qualified him to be Aquaman and his luscious locks. The commercial humorously ends with Momoa struggling to bench press the bar, pathetically screaming for his spotter to “take it, take it, take it!” The ad hilariously humanized the real-life superhero, but I have to admit, I’m still not quite sure what Rocket Mortgage actually does.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF YOUTUBE 10 Wednesday, February 5, 2020 • DailyCampus.com Sports

Photo of the Day | Up high!

UConn senior Crystal Dangerfield (middle) and freshman Aubrey Griffin (right) high five while junior Megan Walker (left) claps during Monday’s women’s basketball game versus the Oregon Ducks. The Huskies lost to the ducks 74-56, with Dangerfield, Walker and Griffin scoring 19, eight and three points respectively. PHOTO BY CHARLOTE LAO, PHOTO EDITOR/THE DAILY CAMPUS Premier League transfer window winners and losers LEAGUE hopefully soon, Ryan Sessegnon. BREAKDOWN CHELSEA, cont. from p. 12 Jose “The Special One” The fact that Chelsea’s trans- Mourinho is starting to show his LEAGUE, cont. from p. 12 fer ban was lifted and they didn’t magic. make a single signing is shocking, As clubs throughout the rest That’s the momentum they’ll and will likely hurt the club in of the season will look at who to need for their matches this week terms of where they’ll stand in the bring in the summer, they will against Flyquest and Dignitas, Premier League table. For those have the power to change how but if they come out of those unaware, Chelsea were originally the future transfer windows will 2-0, there’ll be no argument left banned from the 2019 summer function. that Cloud9 isn’t the best team and January windows for signing On Thursday, Premier League in North America. players under the age of 18. clubs will have a meeting and be On the other hand, Dignitas Lampard’s Chelsea were in dire given three options for transfer signed their toplaner Huni to need of a striker this window, as deadlines: keep the current dead- a controversial deal that ESPN they wanted a replacement for line, or closing the window before reports has him making over a 33-year-old Olivier Giroud. De- Tottenham’s manager Jose Mourinho reacts during the English the season starts, closing the win- million dollars a year. They cre- spite rumors of them getting Edin- Premier League soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and dow at the end of August, or clos- ated a starting lineup around Norwich City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, Eng- ing the domestic window before son Cavani or Dries Mertens, they land, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020. PHOTO BY MATT DUNHAM, AP midlaner Froggen and rookie were not able to get anyone, which the start of the season and close bot laner Johnsun, a lineup meant they could not sell Giroud. points. The Blues play their next impact for Tottenham, and at the the international window at the where Huni is the only member This can be detrimental simply Premier League match against time of writing he already has. end of August. of last year’s team to remain. because of how young Lampard’s Manchester United on Feb. 17, and There isn’t much to say about Many clubs agree that the last This is remarkable when you squad is. Because of their ban, should they lose before their Lon- the Dutch player since he’s only option is the greatest option out consider that last year’s Clutch Lampard had to resort to Chel- don derby against the Lilywhites played one game, but after their of the three and for good reason. Gaming, who was bought by sea’s youth players. That isn’t to they could maintain fifth place 2-0 victory against Manchester It would make sense to pick this Dignitas, made Worlds. Many say Chelsea have a poor youth and go back to the Europa League. City, Bergwijn said fans haven’t option since it’s a hybrid of the thought the moves were a bad system — just take a look at Tam- Honorable Mention: Steven yet seen what he can truly pro- first two with the inclusion of the choice, but Dignitas has start- my Abraham and Mason Mount, Bergwijin (PSV to Tottenham duce. As a Spurs fan, that has me international window closing. ed the season 3-1, only losing a for instance. Hotspur) excited since I’ve seen his perfor- However, because England se- game to Flyquest, a team which As they currently sit in fourth I know this may seem a bit bi- mance from PSV highlights and ceded from the European Union is also 3-1. While it’s too early with 41 points, they are tread- ased, but if you knew the kind of because of the possible chemistry on Jan. 31, this will mean that to tell if this new Dignitas will ing water for Champions League player Steven Bergwijn was like on the field with him and other Premier League clubs will only be better the accomplishments of qualification as Tottenham at PSV, then you knew it was im- new Spurs signings: Giovani Lo able to sign international players the past, they’ve at least proven Hotspur sit below them with 37 minent that he would make an Celso, Tanguy Ndombele and, 18 or older. the staff made the right calls. MLB Offseason Outlook: NL Central by Jorge Eckardt The Cubs offseason has STAFF WRITER been overtaken by one main [email protected] storyline: Kris Bryant. Bry- The NL Central is poised to ant filed a grievance this off- be one of the most interesting season in an attempt to coun- divisional races all season, teract the Cubs’ service time with four teams realistically manipulation, but as expect- having a shot at the playoffs. ed it didn’t change anything. They sent two to the postsea- Therefore, there has been a son last year, with the Cardi- lot of speculation about the nals winning the division and Cubs possibly shipping Bry- the Brewers capturing the ant off. While Bryant might second wild card, and they not be dealt before the sea- very well could do the same if son begins, there’s a very not more in 2020. I wouldn’t good chance that if the Cubs be all that surprised if by falter early and the playoffs the end of the season, places look like a longshot, he could one through four have done be one of if not probably the a complete swap with all of biggest piece moved at the them finished above .500, so deadline. That said, the Cubs let’s get started. should be able to seriously St. Louis Cardinals compete for the division. The Cardinals are in a very When fully healthy, which interesting spot right now af- hasn’t happened much the In this Aug. 10, 2019, file photo, Chicago Cubs’ Kris Bryant (17) sits in the dugout during a baseball ter an offseason where they game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati. The All-Star third baseman has lost his service- past couple of seasons, they lost more than they gained. time grievance against the Cubs, two people with direct knowledge of the situation told The Associ- have the talent to be one of Being in one of the most com- ated Press on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020. PHOTO BY AARON DOSTER, AP the best teams in the National petitive divisions in baseball, Matt Wieters and 38-year-old division all season long, but catcher Yasmani Grandal to League. The core of their line- there’s a very good chance Adam Wainwright, or in oth- they too lost some significant the White Sox. Replacement up — Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, that they could lose control er words their fourth or fifth pieces. Moustakas left after Omar Narváez was fine in Javy Báez and Wilson Contre- of the Central this season to starter and backup catcher. just one year in Milwaukee, Seattle last season but there’s ras — is really good, and their any of the top four teams. The They still have a really strong where he had a rather produc- really no replacing what pitching staff— Jon Lester, big loss was outfielder Mar- team, anchored by stud first tive season, and even though Grandal brought to the team. Kyle Hendricks and Yu Dar- cell Ozuna, signed with the baseman Paul Goldschmidt they did replace him with a They still have a great out- vish, anchored by Craig Kim- Braves on a one-year deal, and breakout starter Jack Fla- serviceable replacement in field which is led by bonafide brel in the pen — is also re- betting on himself much like herty, but coming off a season Eric Sogard, it’s still a notice- star Christian Yelich, a solid ally solid. Really, a lot of their Yasmani Grandal and Mike in which they won their divi- able downgrade. Gio Gonza- infield and bullpen and a fine season hinges on Bryant and Moustakas did last season. sion by just two games, they lez, Jordan Lyles and Drew rotation but one that lacks whether or not they keep him, They also lost starter Michael don’t look like they’re in any Pomeranz also bolted in free a true ace. The NL Central and if they don’t, whether the Wacha to the New York Mets, rush to make sure they repeat agency, and while they all had will be competitive, and I return will be good enough to which is not a huge loss but a in 2020. varying levels of success the wouldn’t be surprised if in keep them competitive. loss nonetheless. Their big- Milwaukee Brewers Brewers still lost three major the end, it’s the Brewers who See REDS, p. 9 gest moves have been resign- The Brewers are poised league arms. However, most come out on top. ing soon-to-be 33-year-old to compete for the top of the importantly, they lost star Chicago Cubs Wednesday, February 5, 2020 • DailyCampus.com 09 Sports Reds and Pirates have opposite offseasons

REDS, cont. from p. 10

Cincinnati Reds The Reds are one of the more exciting teams this season, go- ing big this offseason in an ef- fort to become competitive in a division that, while competi- tive, has no clear best team. If I’m making a bold predictions list, the Reds winning the Cen- tral is one of the ones highest up there. They’ve made a bunch of really good under-the-radar signings, poaching Moustakas from the Brewers and Nick Cas- tellanos from the Cubs, the lat- ter of whom teams oddly didn’t seem to have much interest in. They’re on identical four-year, $64 million deals with $20 mil- lion options for a fifth year and should slide right into the heart of the Reds lineup. They also signed Japanese star outfielder Shogo Akiyama to a manage- able three-year, $21 million deal. They added Wade Miley to the back end of what has become a very solid rotation with Luis Castillo, Trevor Bauer, Sony Gray and Anthony DeSclafani. Cincinnati Reds’ Nick Castellanos waits for interviews during a news conference, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020, in Cincinnati. Castellanos signed a $64 million, four-year deal with the baseball club. PHOTO BY JOHN MINCHILLO, AP Joey Votto still has a lot left in the tank, Eugenio Suárez keeps Pittsburgh Pirates amondbacks a few weeks ago. the MLB right now, and that son, but what the Pirates and getting better and Jesse Wikner And then there’s the Pi- In doing so, they’ve dropped is the full-fledged tank. The teams like them are doing is should be another solid bat in rates. There’s always one. their total 2020 payroll down Pirates’ payroll is just over committing to multiple years their lineup. The bullpen also Pittsburgh is the one team in to just $48 million, which is one-third of the league aver- of last-place finishes in lieu of should be solid, especially with the division that’s decided somehow still the third least age and about one-fifth of the spending money to try to im- the recent acquisition of Pedro they’re not even going to try to in the league, ahead of the Ori- largest payroll in the league. prove the team through free Strop. The Reds are an inter- be competitive in 2020, with oles and Marlins. The Pirates Sure, you can be realistic agency. Pirates fans, sorry, esting breakout contender for the final straw being the trad- right now epitomize what is and recognize that you prob- but don’t get your hopes up. 2020, keep your eyes on them. ing of Starling Marte to the Di- one of the biggest problems in ably won’t compete this sea- Blame ownership. TOKYO OLYMPICS Michigan State coach Mark CEO: “I’M SERIOUSLY Dantonio retiring after 13 seasons WORRIED” OVER CHINA VIRUS EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — From “pride comes before TOKYO (AP) — Tokyo Olym- the fall” to Little Giants, Mark pics organizers on Wednesday Dantonio leaves Michigan State said they are increasingly con- fans with an abundance of fond cerned about the disruption the memories after bringing the fast-spreading virus in China Spartans to heights they hadn’t is causing ahead of the games, reached in decades. which open in just under six Dantonio announced his re- months. tirement Tuesday, ending a Chief Executive Officer Toshi- 13-year run in which his teams ro Muto sounded a grave note won three Big Ten titles and he speaking at a meeting with of- became the school’s winningest ficials of the International Para- coach. The 63-year-old Danto- lympic Committee. nio called his decision a diffi- “I am seriously worried that cult one while noting the non- the spread of the infectious dis- stop demands of the job. ease could throw cold water “I just found myself never on the momentum toward the having the opportunity to come games,” Muto said, speaking in up for air, and that can wear on Japanese. “I hope that it will be you,” he said Tuesday night at a stamped out as soon as possible.” news conference. Saburo Kawabuchi, the mayor Dantonio went 114-57 as of the Athletes Village where Michigan State’s coach and 11,000 Olympians will stay, won Big Ten titles in 2010, showed his apprehension. 2013 and 2015. The last of those “I truly hope that the infec- three seasons included a trip tious disease will die down to the College Football Playoff, somehow so that we will be able but the Spartans declined after to operate the Paralympics and that. They went 7-6 this past Olympics smoothly,” he said. “In season. the worst case — we will do our Defensive coordinator Mike utmost for the athletes so that Tressel will be the acting head they will be able to concentrate coach while Michigan State on performing their best.” seeks a replacement for Danto- Tokyo organizers have repeat- nio, who said qualified candi- edly said there are no plans to dates would be willing to crawl cancel the Olympics. That posi- to campus for the job. In this Nov. 16, 2019, file photo, Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio watches in the first half tion has been repeated by the Michigan State athletic di- of an game against Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich. Dantonio announced his retirement Tuesday, Switzerland-based International ending a 13-year run in which he guided the Spartans to heights they hadn’t reached in decades. rector Bill Beekman said he PHOTOGRAPH BY PAUL SANCYA, AP Olympic Committee. will seek Dantonio’s input on But the problems deepen with the search for his successor. each passing day. Some Olym- Dantonio plans to have a role in overtime. The trick play was speculation in 2019. He seemed volving Michigan State football pic qualifying events have been within the athletic depart- called “Little Giants” — and to put some of that to rest in and basketball players. The cancelled, or relocated. Travel ment. Dantonio had a heart attack November, when he said he report questioned how the ath- restrictions will add more confu- Beekman acknowledged the in the immediate aftermath planned to be back next sea- letic department handled those sion, and traveling fans are sure timing isn’t ideal to search for of that victory. He returned to son. cases. to be fearful. a new football coach. coach his team soon after and Then came Tuesday’s news. In 2017, four players were dis- Japan has not reported any “There are times that are bet- led Michigan State to a share of “Every February since 2007, missed from the football team deaths from the virus. But deaths ter than other times,” he said. the Big Ten title. I have reset this program in after criminal sexual conduct in mainland China rose to 490 on “But I think when you’ve won The Spartans went to the preparation for the next year’s charges were brought against Wednesday 114 games, you’re our all-time conference title game three of challenges. After much reflec- them. A report from an exter- “In Japan, we are facing all winningest coach, and you’ve the next five years after that, tion and discussion with my nal law firm found no evidence sorts of problems including coro- taken us to the places Mark has winning it twice. family, I feel that it is now time that Dantonio violated school navirus infections, cyber securi- taken us and you’ve set the bar Michigan State also dominat- for change as we enter into a policy on handling sexual mis- ty and transportation systems,” where Mark set it, I was com- ed its heated rivalry with Mich- new decade of Michigan State conduct claims, but the off-field Toshiaki Endo, an organizing fortable operating on his time- igan for much of Dantonio’s football,” he said in a statement issues damaged the program’s committee vice president, said line whatever that would be. tenure. In 2007, his first season earlier in the day. “I have told reputation. on Tuesday at a news conference. “We’ll find a very good at the helm, the Spartans lost our players on many occasions Curtis Blackwell, a former “The IOC is satisfied with our coach.” to the Wolverines. Afterward, that ‘Michigan State is bigger Michigan State football em- preparations,” he added. The Spartans have fallen Michigan’s Mike Hart referred than any one person. Someday ployee, filed a lawsuit claim- Craig Spence, a spokesman for from the Big Ten’s elite in re- to Michigan State as a little there will be someone else here ing his employment agreement the Paralympic committee, tried cent years, but only after Dan- brother. Dantonio responded talking to you from this podi- was violated when he was dis- to be reassuring. tonio brought Michigan State to by warning the Wolverines that um.’ That day has come.” ciplined while the school ad- “We have full confidence that the top echelon of the league — “pride comes before the fall” Beekman became athletic di- dressed sexual assault allega- the relevant authorities, in par- and the nation — during a ter- — and the Spartans won four rector in 2018. Mark Hollis, the tions against players in 2017. ticular here in Japan and the rific stretch from 2010-15. He straight meetings after that. previous AD, had retired fol- Dantonio was named as a de- World Health Organization, will won at least 11 games five times Even after losing to Michigan lowing the sex abuse scandal fendant in the suit and recently take all the necessary measures in that six-year span — the first the last two seasons, Dantonio involving Larry Nassar, a for- gave a lengthy deposition. to address the situation.” time a Big Ten coach had done ended up going 8-5 against the mer Michigan State sports doc- Dantonio said the deposition Japanese Prime Minister Shi- that. Wolverines. tor who also worked for USA and potential fallout from the no Abe was asked Monday in A turning point in his ten- The Spartans went just 27-24 Gymnastics. Hollis’ departure lawsuit had “zero” to do with the national legislature about the ure occurred in 2010, when in the four seasons since their came just before ESPN report- his decision to retire. viral outbreak and the impact on the Spartans memorably beat playoff appearance, and Dan- ed allegations of sexual assault “No relevance whatsoever,” the Olympics. He brushed aside Notre Dame on a fake field goal tonio’s future was the topic of and violence against women in- he said. worries.