Darryl Stonum Dismissed Comment Count

Brian

091209_SPT_UM v Norte Dame_MRMdarryl-stonum-nw-sad

high, and low

Getting stopped was the straw that broke the camel's back. Press release:

University of Michigan head football coach Brady Hoke announced on Tuesday (Jan. 17) that wide receiver Darryl Stonum has been dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules.

"I love Darryl and wish him nothing but the absolute best," Hoke said.  "However, there is a responsibility and a higher standard you must be accountable to as a University of Michigan football student-athlete.  That does not and will not change.  It's unfortunate because I believe he has grown a great deal as a person since the beginning of the season. My hope is that maturing process continues."

Stonum started 25 of 36 career games at U-M, catching 76 passes for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns.  He also returned 62 kickoffs for 1,538 yards and holds the single-season kickoff return mark with 39 returns for 1,001 yards in 2009.  Stonum redshirted in 2011.

"I appreciate everything the University of Michigan, Dave Brandon and Coach Hoke have done for me," said Stonum.  "I look forward to continuing my football career down the road, but more importantly, right now I'm focused on graduating from Michigan this Spring.  I understand only I am responsible for my actions. I'm sad about how all of this turned out, but I completely understand.  I love this school and my team and will miss them all greatly.  But I'll always be a Wolverine.  I know I have grown and matured as a person over the last nine months, and I will continue to learn and grow every day.  I want to thank everyone for all of their support, and I hope they will support me in the future."

Michigan now has a major hole at outside receiver with the departures of Stonum and Hemingway. Roy Roundtree will start at one spot; the other spot will either be Jeremy Gallon, Jerald Robinson, Jeremy Jackson, or some freshmen. Gallon will be needed for slot duties, so inevitably this puts Robinson and or Jackson on the field for a bunch more snaps. Probably Jackson; since Jackson is very much a possession type that will expose Michigan to the same sorts of athleticism issues that plagued them in the Virginia Tech game.

If Michigan knew this was coming it makes the Arnett situation strange; it was always strange they didn't take Devin Lucien last year; this may open up a spot for OH WR Monty Madaris, who is scheduled to visit next weekend and suddenly has a wide open depth chart to luxuriate in should he want to don a winged helmet. CA WR Jordan Payton committed to Cal at the Army game only to see his recruiter hired at Washington; Hoke has an in-home with him scheduled.

Comments

BrownJuggernaut

January 17th, 2012 at 4:40 PM ^

Are you sure Mondaris is still visiting? Last I read, he had a final three that did not include us (MSU, Cincy, UK, I believe) and he was not visiting. It seems right now that Jordan Payton is our top target. 

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

03 Blue 07

January 17th, 2012 at 4:43 PM ^

I wish Stonum nothing but the best, but this was the right decision by Hoke, from a "greater good" and "establishing a standard for the program" and "deterrance" point of view, I feel like. Younger guys know that there are standards and boundaries, and crossing those, after a certain point, means the ultimate punishment the coach can dish out.

steviebrownfor…

January 17th, 2012 at 4:46 PM ^

I mean, we all knew it was coming, but Stonum had the chance to be such a playmaker!!!

Either way, I'm not the type to usually say this, but I hope he really did grow as a person.  I also hope he can find a good D2 or 1-AA school to see if he can make it as a pro - provided he gets his life in order.  Either way he's getting his bachelors from U-M, and there is something to be said for that!

We will miss you Darryl!

Yooper

January 17th, 2012 at 4:45 PM ^

It is easy to say that "well, he was warned and he messed up so he is gone".  He had already been suspended for a year and by all accounts, until this most recent incident, had lived up to the conditions imposed and worked hard on behalf of the team despite not being able to play.  Yes he violated one of the conditions imposed and he paid for it with 10 days in jail.  But the offense-driving with a suspended license on the way to see his probation officer-is hardly a serious offense that threatened the public in any way.  Bad move indeed, but I think dismissing him was a step too far.  If young people are moving in the right direction you want to help them stay on the right path despite a mistep, even if that mistep was not the first.  I think the punishment did not fit the crime or the circumstances.

lunchboxthegoat

January 17th, 2012 at 4:49 PM ^

He was dismissed from the team for making several dangerous decisions that negatively affected the public, the university and his team. Not because he was driving on a suspended license. The edict is not "do the right things to make up for your mistakes...unless they're only minor offenses, then you're straight." 

Rabbit21

January 17th, 2012 at 4:55 PM ^

It looks like he's still on path to graduate, so he still gets the education and the degree.  He just no longer has the privilege of playing football for Michigan.  His comments were classy, it doesn't seem like this was a decision that was made lightly, and I'm sure he has a whole passel of people wishing him well and willing to get him set up to continue to play college ball if he so desires,

It's a shame, but there really can't be a continued granting of chances or else all authority slips away when people realize they're not accountable for anything.

PurpleStuff

January 17th, 2012 at 4:58 PM ^

I don't have a problem with booting him because he's had his chances and the final straw in question is just so dumb and unnecessary (unless you are bleeding to death or about to give birth you never really need to drive a car in A2). 

At the same time, I don't think Coach Hoke would have betrayed the integrity of the university if he had kept him on the team. 

switch26

January 17th, 2012 at 4:51 PM ^

Hopefully a Sammy Watkins big play receiver emerges from one of the freshman we have coming in.  Not likely, but we can hope

True Blue Grit

January 17th, 2012 at 4:54 PM ^

Stonum was a very good outside receiver for us and great KO return guy.  He's going to leave a hole next year I hope the coaches can fill.  I also hope he gets his degree and does well when he leaves here.  I wonder if he's going to try and enroll at another school to use his last year of eligibility.   It would seem a logical move as trying to make an NFL roster now would be a real, real longshot. 

O.J. The Bouvier

January 17th, 2012 at 4:56 PM ^

This was necessary because we're Michigan. However, it does sometimes get frustrating that we are so much more concerned about ethics than our chief competitors (I.e., Ohio, MSU, ND).

Umich4Life

January 17th, 2012 at 4:59 PM ^

Nooooooooo!!  Damn, Darryl sure messed the heck up.  Driving to see his PO, he should've at least made his violation worth while.  jk  Sad to see, wish him the best.  We heard that Jerald Robinson might become a star, let's hope it's sooner than later.  Jordan Peyton??  Naw, let's go for DGB.  done ;)

Seattle Maize

January 17th, 2012 at 5:08 PM ^

This is sad news but it does seem as though Stonum realizes his mistakes and will grow from them.  Props to Hoke for not comprimising the integrity of the program in a tough situation all around.  Yet another reason why I am so happy that this man is leading my favorite program.  Looking towards next year, however, I think we now need a Freshman to step up big time.  Roundtree will really need to improve a lot (running better routes and being more physical) if he is going to be a starter, and I am not sure that Robinson or Jackson have the speed necessary to stretch defenses vertically.  Gallon should be good though at one spot.

StephenRKass

January 17th, 2012 at 5:14 PM ^

I applaud Hoke for making this hard decision. He is still laying down the foundation for what happens in cases like this, and it is necessary to set the right precedent. As already noted by another poster, this puts the team on notice for what to expect in the future.

I also find the statement from Hoke very kind and gracious. Hoke didn't say, "Darryl Stonum is no longer on the team. I don't comment on individuals not on the team." He said, in so many words, "Darryl screwed up, and I had to do this, but I still love him and wish him the best."

Certainly, the statement from Stonum was also very mature and gracious. Often, situations like these are the place where greatest personal growth comes. May it be so.

I won't go trolling at Michigan State or Ohio sites, but I'd like to see how they spin it. I wonder if anyone has the guts to applaud Hoke for doing what didn't and doesn't happen at their respective schools. Regardless of what they say or do, I'm thrilled that Hoke is taking the high road and doing the right thing, even at the cost to the team. Paying the cost now will pay dividends later.

Jivas

January 17th, 2012 at 5:36 PM ^

Since he's graduating this year he should be able to go almost anywhere under the "Russell Wilson" rule (or perhaps the "Ryan Mundy" rule around these parts).  Of course, given his issues another BCS school may not want to take a chance on him - meaning he may have to go the I-AA route for one season - but given that Oklahoma took Kellen Jones and tried to get him immediately eligible, I wouldn't be surprised to see Stonum at a BCS school next year.

In any event, good luck Darryl.  Hope you get your life in order.

robmorren2

January 17th, 2012 at 8:06 PM ^

What Stonum did to get kicked off the team was irresponsible. What he did after he got kicked off was classy. Being a Michigan man isn't about being mistake-free, it's about being accountable for your actions. If he gets his degree, then he'll leave Ann Arbor a Michigan man just the same.

South TX MFan

January 17th, 2012 at 10:42 PM ^

Well that sucks. Being a local kid (to me) I was really excited when we picked him up and I thought he was going to be a true star here. Unfortunately it didn't end the way I, and I'm sure he, thought. Good luck in the future Darryl.
<br>
<br>Now we need to nail down another big time WR recruit!

maizenbluedevil

January 18th, 2012 at 1:09 AM ^

Wow. 

The quotes in that press release are just really impressive.  Hoke is obviously very serious about upholding a higher standard.  

And for Stonum to have that quote in response (he could've just said nothing....) speaks volumes about his character, and also his respect for Hoke, which underscores Hoke's reputation.  For a player that just got dismissed to speak that highly of Hoke says a lot.  

Respect to both Hoke and Stonum.  

Bo Knows

January 18th, 2012 at 2:24 AM ^

Best wishes to Stonum in his future endeavors.  On a side note this all but guarantees Terrence Roninson his 5th year.  Obviously he is no Stonum, but he is a hard working player who we should be proud to have representing the maize and blue.

LSA91

January 18th, 2012 at 9:55 AM ^

1) I guess it's the right decision, but man it hurts.   Hoke is more of a man than I am, in case anyone wondered.

 

2) Good response by Stonum -- I hope things work out for him.

 

3) Nooooooooo!!!!!!   Couldn't Stonum buy a bike or something?

dragonchild

January 18th, 2012 at 11:11 AM ^

A moment like this is sometimes the best thing to happen to a maturing ego.  In these cases, it's very important the coach actually pulls the trigger.

Go through life being treated like an exception leads to living it.  When you're no longer valuable enough for the moral hypocrisy to be worth it, though, it all stops in a way no mind can prepare for or adjust to.  It's why so many pros go bankrupt so quickly after retirement.  This might screw over Stonum at 23.  With any luck, though, Stonum at 40 will be eternally grateful.

I don't wish him "the best".  I wish him whatever he deserves, good or bad.  Fortunately, though, the way he's taking this indicates he'll make a self-respecting future for himself.  That would be a happy ending for me, even if the football team doesn't benefit.

I'm passionate about football, but I'm a Hoke fan because he knows how far NOT to go.  Of course I want national championships every year, but I'd rather go winless than see Michigan win without accountability.

uncleFred

January 18th, 2012 at 11:44 AM ^

Years ago I found myself trying to help a friend who had "benefitted" from 20+ years as a valuable athlete adjust to his late 30s when the preference ended. Learning to live with no one running interference for his excesses nearly destroyed his life, but he made it. Fortunately he learned his lesson before his son was old enough to get scouted for a professional sports career, and is ever watchful that his son does not receive special treatment.

In this case Hoke has done what is in Stonum's and the team's best interest. I hope that Stonum gets the message. I'm sure that he meant every word of his statement, the hard part is to walk that talk. 

 

jjemrick

January 18th, 2012 at 12:56 PM ^

Assuming Gardner develops in the offseason... what about seeing an expanded role for Denard as a WR?

With the right blocks connecting, he only has 1 man to beat...

In no way am I suggesting that Denard should not lead the helm in 2012.  Just thinking outside the box re: a solution to the loss of a capable WR in Stonum.