After the mishandling of Shane Morris’ injury and his allowance to re-enter Michigan’s 30-14 loss to Minnesota this past weekend, athletic director Dave Brandon and head coach Brady Hoke have taken much deserved heat. Morris suffered a likely “mild concussion” after taking a huge hit to the head by Minnesota defensive lineman Theiren Cochran.
Brandon released a statement after the incident.
“Unfortunately, this confusion created a circumstance that was not in the best interest of one of our student-athletes,” stated Brandon. “I sincerely apologize for the mistakes that were made. We have to learn from this situation, and moving forward, we will make important changes so we can fully live up to our shared goal of putting student-athlete safety first.”
A Michigan graduate student has vowed for his voice to be heard after starting an online petition for Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon to be fired.
As of today, more than 6,400 students, alumni, and members of the university staff have signed the petition.
The petition includes the following statement:
“Unfortunately, under Mr. Brandon’s tenure, the football program, one of the most prominent programs at the University of Michigan and in the nation, has become a black eye for the University of Michigan. Instead of adding to the image and prestige of the university, the state of the athletic department has hurt the connection shared between alumni, fans, and the university. Furthermore, policies and decisions of the athletic department have alienated the current student body. As a result, the university risks producing a generation of alumni that are disinterested and disengaged. Finally, President Mark Schlissel previously stated that one draw of the athletic program is to provide an avenue for “public attention on to the other wonderful things that are happening on campus…” When the athletic department produces overwhelmingly negative media attention, it distracts from the main mission of the university.”
Furthermore, mgoblog.com has set up a “Fire Dave Brandon” pep rally that will ensue at 6 p.m. this evening at “The Diag” on Michigan’s campus.
Michigan’s 2014 campaign is off to a disaster. The Wolverines are 2-3 and have a plethora of issues beyond the football field.
*Section photo credit to annarbor.com; Featured Photo (above) credit to Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer
