Stonum Dismissed from Team
Tom Dienhart @BTNTomDienhart 2m
Michigan announced on Tuesday (Jan. 17) that wide receiver Darryl Stonum has been dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules.
This will really hurt for next season. Hopefully Payton sees this as a chance at some early PT and switches to the good guys.
[Ed-H:
For IMMEDIATE Release
Wide Receiver Darryl Stonum Dismissed from U-M Football Team
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- 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."]
January 17th, 2012 at 6:38 PM ^
I respect him for the statement that he made, and its good to see he recognizes that only he is to blame. I am very happy that he is still going to be graduating. Even if he's not on the team anymore, a Michigan degree means a lot. This will be painful for him, but necessary to get his life on track.
This also makes me respect Hoke even more than I already do. Its not easy to kick arguably one your best receivers off the team, a position with not much depth to begin with. But he is adamant when he says he will hold his players accountable, and we couldn't ask for a better coach to lead our team.
However, the silver lining here is it might give Payton an added incentive to reconsider us, as he'd definitely challenge for playing time.
January 17th, 2012 at 6:52 PM ^
I would have given a ride to his parole meeting.
January 17th, 2012 at 6:56 PM ^
What Would Dantonio Do? Ah he'll, you know!
January 17th, 2012 at 7:01 PM ^
I suppose we will have to stick to a downhill running attack and play some MANBALL!!!
January 17th, 2012 at 7:16 PM ^
Nice kid. A little irresponsible.
I'm really sad for him, and of course wanted to see him play this fall.
January 17th, 2012 at 8:24 PM ^
Bummer, I'm sure Hoke has something up his sleeve for recruiting though, not worried. Go Blue!
January 17th, 2012 at 9:24 PM ^
I hope he finds somewhere to play and finish his career. He sounds like he truly is sorry about his actions. Hopefully he will learn, and other players coming in will realize how much of a privilege it is to play college football, especially at the University of Michigan.
January 17th, 2012 at 9:36 PM ^
...on what an amazing reaction to a tough decision by both Hoke (expected) and even more so by Darryl. If his comments about the situation that resulted in his exit from the program are any indication of his maturation, I have no worries for this man. Dealing with adversity is an important litmus test of ones character and he has done so with amazing insight and understanding. It's regrettable that his career has ended this way but after reading his comments,I am confident that he will be successful in his endeavors. If only we could get "role models" to handle themselves with similar responsibility and honesty, our culture as a whole would be better.
Way to handle this like a man, Darryl.
January 17th, 2012 at 11:42 PM ^
and do it when setting the standard comes at a big price to the team. Good for Hoke.
Compare to ND's treatment of Floyd, who was "suspended" from spring practice.
January 17th, 2012 at 11:43 PM ^
I'm glad he's going to stay at Michigan and get his degree. It sucks that he won't be there as a receiver next year, but I'm glad everyone involved in the situation handled it the way they did. Best of luck to Darryl Stonum in all of his future pursuits in life.
January 18th, 2012 at 4:17 AM ^
As much as I know that missing Stonum will be a BIG loss to our receiving corps, I think Hoke did the right thing.