Shea Patterson talks decision to leave Ole Miss, relationship with Hugh Freeze

Apparently, Shea Patterson feels no ill will toward Ole Miss or his former Rebel coach Hugh Freeze.

Despite leaving the school somewhat in the lurch this offseason, Patterson told Aaron McMann of MLive that his decision had nothing to do with his former school. His decision was based on the fact he knew he would not be able to compete for a championship in Oxford next season — Ole Miss has been banned from postseason play for the 2018 season.

According to Patterson, had that second postseason ban not come into play, he would still playing in the SEC.

"I would have stayed at Ole Miss if it weren't for the situation we were in.” https://t.co/Rl0MVb4kyB

— Aaron McMann (@AaronMcMann) April 30, 2018

Patterson also added these comments to McMann:

“I can live with throwing an interception in the national championship game. Or to get there, in the playoff. It might be hard to live with that — but I don’t know if I could have lived with not being able to to get the chance to compete for one.”

As for his relationship with Hugh Freeze, Patterson claims the two are still tight. That’s despite the fact Patterson’s attorney was claiming the former Ole Miss coach misled him during his recruitment.

Asked Shea Patterson if he's talked to Hugh Freeze since he enrolled at #Michigan. "Oh yeah," he said. "He sent me a 'good luck' text. We have a good relationship." https://t.co/XLyj4rN3Hs

— Aaron McMann (@AaronMcMann) May 1, 2018

The NCAA recently granted Patterson a waiver allowing him to compete on the field for Michigan in 2018. Had that not occurred, the former Ole Miss quarterback would have had to sit out the season due to the NCAA’s transfer rules. Fortunately for the Rebels, Jordan Ta’amu emerged last season after Patterson went down due to injury. Ole Miss also signed U.S. Army All-American QB Matt Corral this offseason.