Willingham: Baseball won’t have a negative impact on Locker.

Published 2:56 pm Friday, February 29, 2008

Here’s what Tyrone Willingham said in a statement released by the school this afternoon:

“Jake is such a great competitor and I completely support his decision to play baseball this summer,” said Willingham, who was a second-team all-Big Ten Conference selection as a centerfielder on the Michigan State baseball team. “He has always had, and will continue to have, a positive commitment to our program and to his teammates. That will not change. I don’t believe that playing baseball this summer will have a negative impact on his development as a football player.

“One of the great things about our program is that we are continually adding great competitors. Having players, such as Jake, who have a high degree of competitiveness is such a critical component in our development of a championship program.

“I am excited about Jake’s involvement in baseball this summer and I know it will be a great complement to his development as a football player and as a person.”