Michigan head coach Brady Hoke announced today that starting running back and backup defensive end, Fitzgerald Toussaint and Frank Clark, will not make the trip for Saturday’s Cowboys Classic against Alabama.
“The decision was not easy, but I feel it is in the best interest of this program and for these kids, and those always will be my priorities,” Hoke told Chantel Jennings of ESPN. “We have choices every day, and you have to be accountable to this program, your teammates, your family and the University of Michigan.”
Fitzgerald Toussaint was charged in late July with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, but pleaded guilty to a reduced charge on Tuesday of operating a vehicle while visually impaired. Toussaint was Michigan’s second leading rusher from last year with 1,041 yard and 9 touchdowns.
Frank Clark was suspended back in July after authorities say he took a laptop from a campus dorm room. Clark was a key member of Michigan’s Sugar Bowl win over Virginia Tech.
Here is the rest of Brady Hoke’s statement:
“These are our sons. These are real lives, and I think too often many people forget that. It’s not always just about football, or a football decision. It’s about teaching life lessons, and if this helps these kids or someone else make a right decision later, then we’ve won. That is ultimately what we are here for, to help them grow and mature to become better sons, fathers, husbands and members of society.
“They are good young men who made poor choices, and we will continue to support them as members of our team and family.”
This was the right decision by Hoke.
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