Hagerup apologizes, admits it was weed.
He delivers a sincere apology for his mistake and it really sounds like he hopes to be back next year. I really like the part where he describes the coaches as nice people who aren't yelling at him but rather concerened with his well being. That's one of many signs of how great a coach Hoke is.
"Without offering details, Hagerup said he lapsed into "old habits" and blames no one but himself. He was suspended the first four games of 2011 for violating team rules, and missed the 2010 Ohio State game for the same reason."
"Hagerup has been meeting with the staff and said he hopes to meet again with Hoke today. Hagerup added there has been no "screaming or yelling" from the coaches, and they have had good discussions."
Link: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121218/SPORTS0201/212180333/1131/s…
December 18th, 2012 at 9:18 AM ^
Weed is technically a drug and has addictive properties. That's why people do other harmful things despite the consequences. Before people start calling the kid selfish and other negative things, it would be helpful to know what the culture was like around him and the other players on the team smoking weed and drinking, to treat their addiction and foster a dependent free lifestyle.
You can't applaud the coaches for "doing the right thing" by suspending him, if they are not supporting these kids to overcome their addictions. That's part of grooming these guys into responsible men.
December 18th, 2012 at 9:45 AM ^
But seriously, alcohol forms stronger chemical dependencies than pot.
December 18th, 2012 at 9:32 AM ^
he needs to move on to the NFL....They don't care what you do there.
December 18th, 2012 at 9:37 AM ^
I know I am late to this party and i completely understand that weed is technically illegal and the coaches have to lay down rules because they have to maintain authority, but...weed, man? WEED?
Ugh, this bothers me on so many levels. This country needs to let it go on the weed thing. I don't even like weed and i know it is better for me than alcohol. I love me some alcohol though... ladies.
December 18th, 2012 at 10:32 AM ^
"Technically illegal"?? Is that kinda like "almost a virgin"? It's illegal. That's it. The kid broke the law. I hate to see a good talent go, but 3 times he put his own illegal interests before the interests of the team. Buh-bye. He can smoke himself out of the NFL now.
December 18th, 2012 at 10:38 AM ^
In Ann Arbor, as you might put it, it's kinda like "a parking ticket".
December 18th, 2012 at 11:28 AM ^
One, pot is not illegal in Colorado or Washington anymore. Oregon's pot laws enforced in such a way that it is only "technically illegal."
Two, as far as "the kid broke the law" and that's it for him attitude. Here's some other illegal things (in many states) for you.
jay walking
anal sex
oral sex
impersonating a person of the clergy
speeding
not using headlights when your wipers are on
December 18th, 2012 at 12:46 PM ^
Of course, it is still illegal in Michigan--the only state relevant to Will. Not to mention that possession still violates federal law in every state.
December 19th, 2012 at 3:53 AM ^
Marijuana is a controlled federal substance. Until that changes, purchase/possession/distribution are federal crimes and that means you're at the mercy of your local US Attorney if you get caught.
""And, if the local DA feels like running for something next year, he could also go to jail." - Sports Night, "The Reunion"
December 18th, 2012 at 9:58 AM ^
should Hagerup's time with the Wolverines be over. jk
December 18th, 2012 at 10:12 AM ^
Don't be suprised if he remains on scholarship that suspensions increase under Hoke. College kids smoke weed. If there is no threat to be booted even after getting busted 3 times, where's the threat? Smoke up Johnny!
December 18th, 2012 at 10:14 AM ^
I don't know how "sincere" Hagerup's apology really is. With Floyd, this was his first time being suspended (unless there's an event that's slipping my mind), it would have been his last game as a Wolverine, and it would have been against his home town team. The language of his apology and just all the extenuating circumstances don't make me doubt the sincerity of his apology.
With Hagerup, not so much. If he was so sincere, he wouldn't have gotten suspended 3 times for the same thing and would have stopped by now. Maybe this is really the last time, or maybe it's just him pgyy-backing off of Floyd's apology to save face. I obviously don't know which for sure, but if I had to guess, I'd guess the latter.
December 18th, 2012 at 10:18 AM ^
December 18th, 2012 at 10:41 AM ^
So I think they should throw him off the team to enforce their rules, but I don't understand the view that he must be stupid because of this. He's a college student committed to his own freedom, come what may. That's not exactly rare.
December 18th, 2012 at 10:57 AM ^
Realizing that that the NFL tests for marijuana and cocaine were really effective, he did nothing but drink and do LSD in season. Lots of LSD.
Seriously though, what will they do with athletes in Colorado and other states where weed's now legal? What will they do at Michigan if weed returns to the glory months of early 1972?
December 18th, 2012 at 7:53 PM ^
December 18th, 2012 at 11:05 AM ^
December 18th, 2012 at 11:18 AM ^
I don't smoke marijuana but it shouldn't be illegal. It was just legalized in my state. Whether Hagerup should be smoking it is another question.
December 18th, 2012 at 11:23 AM ^
Since it is a rule, and one that Hoke enforces, the problem with giving him one more chance, is why should anyone expect he won't do it again? His transgressions don't affect just him--they have the potential to be disruptive to the team.
December 18th, 2012 at 11:44 AM ^
I really think pot should be legal, and "college kid smokes pot" isn't exactly a rare occurance. However, when one is an elite athlete, anything that makes a small fraction of a second's difference in his reflexes can affect performance. He knows the rules, and is getting a four year scholly. Is it too much to ask to just say no?
Ironically, at MSU and OSU, whose fans will be having the most fun with this story, he would never have been suspended in the first place due to the "off the field doesn't count if you perform on the field" rule.
December 18th, 2012 at 12:55 PM ^
It seems that Hagerup's parents should step in, if they have not already...and flat out tell Hagerup that he is making a huge mistake and that he needs to get his act together fast. He is blowing a full ride to Michigan.
December 18th, 2012 at 5:24 PM ^
You already know what his response would be: "I Iearned it from watching you, Dad!".
December 18th, 2012 at 5:22 PM ^
Littering and? Littering and? Littering and?
December 18th, 2012 at 10:53 PM ^
NOW YOU DONT GET TO PLAY IN THE OUTBACK BOWL