I believe York was suspended indefinitely from the team about a month ago..

York is currently on indefinite suspension and for all intents and purposes is not a part of the team right now. Based on Hoke's track record of handling players who are embroiled in legal criminal proceedings, I would not be surprised if no further action was taken until the criminal aspect is sorted out. If I recall correctly, that's how virtually every criminal investigation into a Michigan football player under Hoke has gone. Indefinite suspension while the criminal charges are open, specific discipline afterward.

I understand your reaction that this is something that requires more immediate decisive action, but I generally like this method of handling legal situations. I think it makes the important point that legal proceedings take precedence over football. Either way, I expect York will be officially dismissed from the team at some point, it may just be after a trial/plea is concluded and the charges are closed.

That would only be if he punched a woman.  This is a man, so it's hard to say how Godell would react. 

Sucker punching may be acceptable in the NFL and NBA, but it is almost encouraged in the NHL.

This isn't a home for wayward boys and it's not like he got caught smoking weed or something.  It isn't fair to other members of the football program to force them to associate with people capable of doing stuff like this.

Also, York is almost 21, fwiw.

I hate that the reaction of the legal system and team have the potential to make York act out even more. That said, U of M and the team have the responsibility to create rules and have consequences to breaking those rules. It was York's decision to break the rules, and it's his decision on how to act going forward. I hope he chooses to use this as an opportunity for change and growth.

Kicking him off the team isn't giving up on him--it's showing him real consequences to real actions. I hope someone, somewhere (family, the legal system, the coaches) reach out and work with him to give him the help he needs. At this stage, however, he cannot be on the team.

I agree with you, and am saddened by how many people here seem to be pleased at the idea of York ending up in jail with virtually no chance at a productive life for a stupid decision during an confrontation in front of a bar.  Definitely needs to be punished but, this wasn't premeditated, he didn't have a weapon, he probably didn't even realize the scale of the physical damage he would do.  Lots of community service, strict rules, and a year of extra practice and no play time would do far more than a few years in jail and a criminal record forever.

The University as an educational institution--and that is its primary mission--owes him nothing.  Now if Hoke or others on the coaching staff believe this is a one-off and/or that he is a good kid at heart, then they can stay involved in his life to "build a better man".  That may include helping York get to another college football program.  But first, he'will have to finish his prison time (perhaps short in time)--cuz I don't see much likelihood that he'll be able to plea out on probation.

Would you still feel this way if you were the guy who was sucker punched and had his jaw broken in three places?

I upvoted you not because I agree with you.  I disagree.  Strongly, in fact.  But you're entitled to an opinion, and this looks like an honest -- if badly misguided -- one.

I think you're wrong, but I don't think that should be downvoted into oblivion.

there are other kids who'd never think of doing that who deserve a shot at playing football for Michigan before this guy. If Hoke and Brandon want to be a father figure for York on the side, I am fine with it. I don't want this kid taking up a scholarship that could be given to a deserving walk on or a deserving candidate in next year's recruiting class.

Before the video came out?  Based on what?

It doesnt matter what was going through his head. If he was thinking about shooting the guy, but punched him instead, are we supposed to feel better? Are people supposed to accept a higher level of risk of being attacked based on the childhoods of the people around them? You may think about pushing someone into the path of a moving truck every opportunity you have, but the question is, do you act on it? He needs to be in a place where he can learn impulse control, and not at the cost of unsuspecting citizens. 

This has gone beyond a football or university issue.  It is a crimanl issue.