John U. Bacon Stories

'Hard To Beat The Cheaters': Harbaugh, Michigan At College Football Crossroads

In 2015 the NCAA allowed schools to pay student-athletes' "full cost of attendance," (travel, food, laundry and other expenses not covered by scholarships) which was a welcome reform, but it's now being exploited to "cheat legally."
Spirit Of '76: Before We Discovered Boats, Beer And Girls, There Was Wiffle Ball

Best-selling author John U. Bacon remembers why these games along the lake in Michigan were so special.
How Failed Leadership By Michigan State Officials Enabled Larry Nassar's Crimes

This case fits pattern of administration's passivity about sexual assaults, and its reluctance to make any changes until publicly pressured to do so.
More Than 40 Years Later, Michigan Kicker/Vietnam Vet Finally Hears The Cheers

After serving with the famed 82nd Airborne in the Mekong Delta, Mike Lantry walked on to the Wolverines football team.
Why FBI Needed To Keep NCAA In The Dark On Its College Basketball Investigation

Arrests of four assistant coaches on corruption charges is just the first bombshell.
A Remarkable Hockey Life: Red Berenson Retires At 77

Michigan icon was two-time All-American and two-time Stanley Cup winner as player, and two-time NCAA champion as coach.
How Did Brady Go From Michigan's Seventh String To NFL's Best Ever? Incredible Memory Helps

Former Patriots assistant Bill O'Brien tells a story that blew his mind about quarterback's ability to recall specific details years later.
Michigan Hockey Rallies Behind Former Star Battling ALS

Fundraiser for Scott Matzka, who set up the winning goal in 1998 NCAA championship game, is big success.
When Ohio State-Michigan Rivalry Pulsates, It's Good For College Football

Buckeyes have dominated in past decade but this year's double-OT classic signals new era of intensity.
Michigan's 10 Tumultuous Years Since Bo Schembechler's Death

After passing of iconic coach, bad news lasted almost a decade for Wolverines fans.