Frank Clark Dismissed From Program Comment Count

Ace

Following the release of very disturbing details of Frank Clark's arrest on charges of domestic violence early Sunday morning, Michigan announced today that Clark is no longer a part of the football program. The full statement from Brady Hoke:

“Frank Clark has been dismissed for violating team rules from the Michigan football program. This is a tragic situation. Our student-athletes will be held accountable when their actions fail to meet the standard we have at Michigan. There is a legal process that will occur and we respect that process.”

This was the only acceptable course of action given the situation. Thoughts go out to the alleged victim and her family.

Comments

Ali G Bomaye

November 17th, 2014 at 11:29 AM ^

While I believe in due process, there was no other option at this point, particularly considering his past disciplinary history.  

Anyway, at this point in his career, dismissal from the program is equivalent to suspension while the legal process takes its course.

Bando Calrissian

November 17th, 2014 at 11:31 AM ^

This is absolutely the correct decision, and I'm glad Hoke didn't waste any time.

That being said, I wish he'd had someone proofread his statement, because that first sentence is really, really poorly written. I'd also like to think that this was more than "violating team rules." More like "violating basic human decency." But I'm just glad this was handled swiftly and unambiguously, as far as Michigan Football is concerned.

Yinka Double Dare

November 17th, 2014 at 11:35 AM ^

Eh, I get why they say it that way. They're not going to say it's for domestic violence because, as they note, there is a process for that in the justice system. But we can see the pictures and read the details, and the standards of the team don't require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, particularly when the player involved already has a strike against him.

jkhuggins

November 17th, 2014 at 5:05 PM ^

Because then tons of reporters (and bloggers) will pester the athletic department with questions like "Why did you dismiss him?"  "Why won't you tell us why you dismissed him?"  "Why won't you answer my questions?"  "What are you trying to hide?"   "Did he order the Code Red?"  

A minimalist answer at least shuts down some of that.  I listened to most of Hoke's press conference this afternoon --- and while he never said "he was dismissed for assaulting his girlfriend", it was clear to everyone that was the reason, so nobody pestered him about the decision.

Matthew

November 17th, 2014 at 11:32 AM ^

This is part of the cycle of violence that plagues many people and communities in this country. A sad day for Frank and the victim. I hope Mr.Clark doesn't become just another statistic.

OxfordBlue24

November 17th, 2014 at 11:33 AM ^

Sad to see Clark throw away his future by doing something like this. I had really hoped he had gotten his life straightened out after having a rough childhood. Hopefully he can get the help he needs. When a player is dismissed from the football program, does that mean he is dismissed from the school as well / won't graduate?



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superstringer

November 17th, 2014 at 11:34 AM ^

That was obvious.  Contrast to the Gibbons situation -- here it was public and forced Hoke's hand.  Anyone shudder to think what would have happened if no one picked up on the police report.  (Not that that ever happens in 2014.)  Would we have gotten a "left team for personal reasons" excuse?  We can only speculate, and it's kind of irrelevant, as Hoke won't have a job past early January here.

But more interesting is what the NFL will do.  Two years ago, heck even a year ago, Clark gets drafted.  But in light of the Rice/Pederson situations... is he toxic?  Does he come in as a free agent?  I guess he can't be suspended under the CBA b/c he's not an employee at the time of the transgression.  So what do teams do, do they all have to pretend he doesn't exist?

After all due respect to the victim and the perp, I think on a bigger social/sports viewpoint, this is a fascinating problem for the NFL.  What they heck do they do with a guy like this who clearly is good enough to be in the NFL talent-wise, but, is a PR nightmare.

UofM Die Hard …

November 17th, 2014 at 11:35 AM ^

why I think we all still have some like for Brady, is his stance on players doing illegal / bad/  dumb shit stuff.  Show them the door, if that doesnt help them correct their course then who knows what will.

 

I have been reading alot of FSU comments here and its hard not to think of it that way...Jamis Winston has done how many illegal / bad / dumb shit things?  Annnnd he still plays every Saturday. 

 

Good for Brady

kehnonymous

November 17th, 2014 at 11:37 AM ^

Ugh.  Hope the victim gets the help she needs.

I have very little desire to parse the details of this whole unfortunate shit sundae, but - at not completely immoral cesspools - what is generally considered the standard for "indefinite suspension" vs. outright getting booted?

FreddieMercuryHayes

November 17th, 2014 at 12:01 PM ^

Additionally to previous responses, besides him being a senior 2-3 games away from eligability expiring, he is already on a second chance from breaking into someone's dorm and stealing their laptop.  So there are probably quite a few reasons this was a pretty immediate dismissal as opposed to an 'indefinite suspension'.

Tator Salad

November 17th, 2014 at 11:41 AM ^

I dont think this has anything to do with the programs general direction overall. Actually seeing that our program handled this correctly and quickly makes me all the more proud to be a fan of Michigan.

Too bad for Frank, and my thoughts go out to the victim, just a bad situation all around, but Michigan handled it perfectly unlike so many other teams (FSU) and coaches (fisher). 

 

Meant as reply to Commie_High96