Minnesota Scene: Western Michigan LB says his release request unrelated to Gophers

Former Western Michigan linebacker Robert Spillane said Wednesday that "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."

WMMT-TV, in Kalamazoo, Mich., citing anonymous sources, reported Tuesday that Fleck contacted Spillane before the linebacker was given his release.

Under NCAA rules, coaches are not allowed to contact their former players while they are still part of their previous school's program.

Spillane intends to transfer, but there are no indications that he's coming to Minnesota. Gophers spokesman Paul Rovnak said Tuesday that, "We are not recruiting any students from Western Michigan."

Spillane, who was one of Fleck's first recruits at Western Michigan, was one of the Broncos' top defensive players last year.

In a Twitter post, he shot down the Minnesota speculation but did not specify why he intends to transfer.

JOE CHRISTENSEN

Scoggins also won the award in 2013.

Mark Rosen of WCCO-TV was named the Sportscaster of the Year. He has not won the award before

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