Robert Spillane, the Western Michigan linebacker whose transfer plans in February led to accusations that Gophers coach P.J. Fleck was recruiting his former players, has decided not to transfer after all.
Spillane announced Wednesday that he is staying put. The junior linebacker was one of the Broncos' top players last season, when the team went 13-1 under Fleck.
The Gophers did self-report a minor NCAA violation, acknowledging contact between Fleck and a former player. Athletic director Mark Coyle told the Pioneer Press: "From my understanding, even if a coach sends a former student-athlete a text that even says 'happy birthday,' that's a violation."
But the Gophers were firm from the beginning that Fleck wasn't recruiting any of his former players. After announcing his plans to transfer, Spillane tweeted "contrary to media reports" his decision to get his release from the school "has nothing to do with P.J. Fleck or the University of Minnesota."
JOE CHRISTENSEN
