Charges filed against Michigan football player Darryl Stonum
Michigan wide receiver Darryl Stonum is scheduled to be arraigned Friday morning in 15th District Court in Ann Arbor on charges of operating while intoxicated second-offense and driving with a suspended license, court records show.
Darryl Stonum
The misdemeanor charges were filed on Tuesday by the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office. Stonum, who is from Stafford, Texas, and is entering his senior year, faces up to a year in jail if convicted. It's unclear whether Stonum has an attorney.
In September 2008, during his freshman year, police charged him with operating a vehicle while visibly impaired, and he was subsequently jailed for three nights in July 2010 for multiple probation violations.
In a statement last week announcing the suspension, coach Brady Hoke left the door open for Stonum's return to the team, saying he must first "fulfill all his commitments he has to the legal system and our program."
The arraignment is scheduled for 8 a.m. in front of 15th District Judge Julie Creal at the court at 301 East Huron St.
Lee Higgins covers crime and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at (734) 623-2527 and email at leehiggins@annarbor.com.
Comments
Tru2Blu76
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 7:17 p.m.
Addictions are the root of so many evils. It's not the substances themselves that are at fault. Methods must be developed to keep the vulnerable people away from using these substances in the first place. Control measures don't work or are non-existant. I certainly hope KeepingItReal is right about the prospects for Mr. Stonum getting the help he needs. This young man's entire future life is at stake. All Michigan fans are behind you, Daryl, don't give up or let down - ever.
Kafkaland
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 10:17 p.m.
The Friday morning docket in judge Creal's court is "Sobriety Court". Defendants there are usually given the choice between a harsh sentence (maybe a year in county jail for this kind of offense), or a strict regimen of monitoring and on-the-spot punishments for violations, like daily alcohol tests, mandatory AA meetings, weekend jail terms or picking up trash on the roadside for failing to comply etc. for two years. It has some serious due process issues, but it might just work in a case like this.
Lovaduck
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 9:46 p.m.
To me it's just another case of athletic arrogance and the belief that they are superheros above society's norms. If he were a physics major or something that required brains and mental discipline, he'd get treatment and nobody would be writing headlines about him, though the physics major's skills would be more valuable to society as a whole..Another case of concern about dumb, arrogant jocks!
Roy Munson
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 7:42 p.m.
Hoke, please send this guy packing. Don't be like Dantonio or even worse, Tressel.
trespass
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 7 p.m.
Mr. Stonum may not drink any more than other students but he chooses to drive. That comes from a sense of entitlement or invulnerability. That is partly a symptom of youth but it is also prevalent in elite athletes because they tend to get away with bad behavior. Just look at the recent rape allegations against UM athletes that have been covered up.
Tru2Blu76
Fri, May 13, 2011 : 7:21 p.m.
I would agree but for one thing: addicts of all kinds are self-justifying and way too self assured. Just try living with a smoker or alcoholic for a month. Still - you do have a point about the "privileged" position of successful athletes. That's a social issue though. When everyone insists that "even celebrities" have the same responsibilities as we all do, then we'll be fighting that evil effectively.
SemperFi
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 5:56 p.m.
I hope that this young man gets the help he needs to kick or control his alcohol problem. Darryl, you are no match for the demon alcohol. Get HELP!
Huron74
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 4:24 p.m.
Mr. Stonum needs to learn some self control. I would hate to see him ruin this great opportunity he has been given.
Kelly Davenport
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 4:02 p.m.
Please phrase your comments in such a way that does not presume guilt on the part of someone who has not been found guilty.
Will Warner
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 10:35 p.m.
Kelly, the next five comments after yours assume, in one way or another, the guilt of the accused.
trespass
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 3:35 p.m.
What progress has he made toward graduation? I think I would have a more favorable view toward treatment and leniency if he is likely to have a college degree when he finishes with football. If he is a football major without any real prospect for graduation then I think his prospects for a successful life are dim without real consequences and treatment. The UM has a responsibility to its student athletes to really help them get an education rather than just using up their eligibility and cutting them loose.
heartbreakM
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 3:26 p.m.
I think a forced redshirt year while undergoing rehab and whatever the legal system has for him would be acceptable. If he shows that he can abstain from alcohol, then coach Hoke can make a decision. This is not his first offense, so punishment must be upped from the standard "suspend and run steps". It is a privilege to play football at Michigan and he has responsibility to fulfill his scholarship and reflect well on his university.
lugemachine
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 5:07 p.m.
I'm pretty sure that the only way an upperclassman is eligible for a redshirt is due to injury. Only freshmen may redshirt for reasons other than being physically unable to play.
KeepingItReal
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 2:41 p.m.
In a way, this is a good thing to have happen to Stonum. He now has to face the reality that he has an issue with alcohol. It also presents an opportunity for all who is involve din this young man's life. He needs help and support not to be locked away in some jail for a year. He is entering his senior year of college, he has the necessary structure in place but he need the support of his family and team. I hope Hoke does not try to over compensate for the lst three years of program by showing that he can be a "tough" disciplinarian. Judge Creal is a very good Judge and she will work with the UM staff to see that this young man gets the help he needs. I hope UM athletic department is supportive.
aawolve
Thu, May 12, 2011 : 2:55 p.m.
I also hope that Hoke does the right thing here. That's why Stonum should be kicked off the team, but still be allowed to finish out his senior year on scholarship.