CHICAGO – Mark Dantonio knew Monday wouldn't be easy. Certainly nothing like how the Michigan State football coach felt a year ago when he walked into a hotel ballroom to face the assembled Big Ten media.
"A year ago at this time, we were the epitome of what you want to be in college football," Dantonio said. "No problems, championship winning, graduating our players."
Dantonio vowed that those standards remain, but he also acknowledged that his program must "re-establish" itself after a tumultuous stretch, on and off the field.
The once-charmed program careened into a ditch with a 3-9 record, including a 1-8 mark in the Big Ten. The program's image also suffered serious damage with news of two sexual assault cases involving four players.
Suddenly, Dantonio's program was cast in a different light.
"No matter where it's at and who does it, it tarnishes the reputation, and the name and brand of our team," senior linebacker Chris Frey said. "It's our job as a team to put that behind us and rebuild our name."
How the Spartans respond to crisis could change the narrative. Dantonio dismissed three players charged with sexual assault and did not renew the contract of a football staff member who reportedly attempted to investigate that case.
Dantonio said he reviewed different facets of his program — from educational programs to recruiting practices — and remains confident in his blueprint. Michigan State's Board of Trustees gave Dantonio a public vote of confidence in June.
