PARIS — Whether you think it's a recruiting ploy or a cry for attention or an excuse for a paid vacation or a distraction from football doesn't matter.
Over the past few months, I've heard some form of all the above in my inbox, on Twitter and even in person. Pundits wondering why this isn't illegal in the eyes of the NCAA. Rival fans complaining that it's all for show. Angry Michigan football fans upset that even one minute away from football is too much after you go 8-5 and in no way deserved.
Doesn't matter.
I was in Italy last year.