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AP Photo MITD110, MITD112 ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) Michigan's Rich Rodriguez says Purdue coach Danny Hope blamed him for getting one of his players suspended.

Rodriguez says Hope introduced him to guard Zach Reckman after the Boilermakers' 38-36 win Saturday and said, "Thanks Coach, we appreciate what you did." Reckman was suspended for a game because of a late hit against Northern Illinois in September.

Rodriguez said on the same day he would ask the Big Ten to punish non-Football acts after seeing a Big Ten player hit an opponent with a forearm on TV. Michigan linebacker Jonas Mouton was suspended for punching a Notre Dame player the previous week.

Hope issued a statement through school spokesman Tom Schott, saying his conversation with Rodriguez would remain between them.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-07-09 1715CST | save this article / add to your favorites list