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Michigan State athletics is in the thick of a bustling season, with the hockey program chasing a national championship, Tom Izzo's basketball squad consistently in the postseason conversation, and the football team still grinding through its schedule.
With nearly thirty years of covering the Green and White, Hondo Carpenter introduces a new weekly mailbag column, answering the most pressing questions from the Spartan Nation. The response from fans was overwhelming, with numerous DMs and emails pouring in.
One fan, Mike C. from Bloomfield Hills, expressed mixed feelings about the new athletic director's open letter. Hondo shared that he too felt both excitement and concern when Dan Bartholomae released his message. He praised Bartholomae's commitment to football as a top priority and his pledge to resource it adequately. Hondo noted that such boldness hasn't been seen since Mark Hollis, and he appreciated Bartholomae's promise to fund key programs in the top third of the conference, maximize roster spending, and aim for multiple national championships. Initially, Hondo thought the letter felt rushed, but upon reflection, he loved its raw and real nature, reminiscent of Tom Izzo's straightforwardness.
Another fan, Peter H. from Frankfort, asked about the hiring of Dan Bartholomae and why Mark Hollis wasn't brought back. Hondo revealed that he was initially in favor of Hollis returning, but political dynamics prevented it. A former MSU administration official told him that a compromise candidate would be needed. Bartholomae was Hondo's first choice if Hollis couldn't return, as he understands the culture and state, and isn't a bureaucrat or powerless politician. Hondo believes Bartholomae has drawn a line in the sand, putting football on notice that he will fund it properly, similar to how Indiana has set a standard. He admires Bartholomae's rugged, gutsy approach that distinguishes Spartan Nation from others.
Jennifer D. from Okemos asked about Pat Fitzgerald. Hondo admitted he has long liked and respected Fitzgerald, and supports him fully, though Fitzgerald must prove himself like Adam Nightingale and Tom Izzo. Hondo acknowledged that Fitzgerald was handicapped this year by a poorly funded program, earning him a mulligan. However, Hondo was vocal about questionable staff hires, particularly Nick Sheridan, whose performance has been underwhelming. An NFL executive told Hondo that Sheridan seems more focused on showing his knowledge than winning games. Next year, Fitzgerald will have two years to impress, and he must demonstrate he can evaluate talent, hire a competent staff, and move on from underperforming coaches. Hondo emphasized that retaining poor coaches will be Fitzgerald's responsibility.
Mike K. from Minerva, OH, asked if NHL teams are still interested in Coach Adam Nightingale. Hondo recalled being in an NHL owner's luxury box, where the owner praised Nightingale as an up-and-coming talent and the best evaluator and developer of talent in college hockey. The owner warned that MSU better hold on to him. Hondo reached out to the owner recently, who said nothing has changed: 85% of the league knows who Nightingale is, and it's only a matter of time before the NHL comes calling. Hondo loves Nightingale as a person and is thrilled with his work.
Marcus B. from Southfield asked if Hondo is still all-in on Tom Izzo. Hondo emphatically said yes, calling any year with Izzo in East Lansing superb. He considers Izzo bigger than the university, an icon, and a treasure. Hondo predicted that when fans start grumbling, Izzo will have the team back in the NCAA tournament come March. Izzo's contributions on and off the court will be legendary.
Hondo S. Carpenter Sr. is an award-winning sports journalist with decades of experience, serving as Senior Writer for NFL and College sports and beat writer for the Las Vegas Raiders. He is a member of the PFWA, FWAA, and USBWA.