Darryl Stonum suspended indefinitely from Michigan football team
Note: This story was updated at 8:43 p.m. to include Stonum's arrest for second-offense drunken driving.
Michigan coach Brady Hoke has indefinitely suspended wide receiver Darryl Stonum for “behavior that is unbecoming of a Michigan football player.”
No specific reason was given for the suspension, but Hoke said in a statement that the senior-to-be must "fulfill all his commitments he has to the legal system and our program" before being considered for reinstatement.
The Detroit Free Press reported Saturday night that Stonum was booked into the Washtenaw County Jail early Friday morning for second-offense drunken driving. He was released more than six hours later pending charges.
Michigan receiver Darryl Stonum (22) has been indefinitely suspended from the Michigan football team.
AnnArbor.com file photo
He was stopped and charged with driving with a suspended license in March 2010 and was subsequently jailed for three nights in July 2010 for multiple probation violations.
In September 2010, he told AnnArbor.com that the three nights spent in jail were “a dark moment in my life, and I want to get rid of it.”
“Darryl made a poor decision that is unacceptable and won’t be tolerated,” Hoke said in the statement released Saturday. “This is a serious situation. We are disappointed and any athletic department discipline will be handled internally.
“We will provide the appropriate support and counseling in order for him to learn and grow from this mistake.”
Stonum, from Stafford, Texas, was the team’s second-leading receiver last season, catching 49 passes for 633 yards and four touchdowns. He was also one of the team’s primary kickoff returners (22 for 513 yards), along with Jeremy Gallon.
The receiver position is considered one of the Wolverines’ strongest. If eligible, Stonum would join fellow leading returners Roy Roundtree (72 receptions, 935 yards) and Junior Hemingway (32-for-593).
AnnArbor.com reporter Lee Higgins contributed to this report. Contact Rich Rezler at richrezler@annarbor.com or 735-623-2553.
Comments
Blu n Tpa
Tue, May 10, 2011 : 2:10 a.m.
Really, you forgot that your coach was the third or fourth choice coach and now he's known as the "lying" coach. Or do you think he just 'forgot' about 5 of his players being involved in activity that made them ineligible for the 2010 season. Even past O Li O state players are running from JT.
superbuck
Mon, May 9, 2011 : 10:44 p.m.
MY comeback is lets see what your third choice coach does.
superbuck
Mon, May 9, 2011 : 3 p.m.
I see they also have football players in Michigan that also break the law
Blu n Tpa
Mon, May 9, 2011 : 5:51 p.m.
sb What, no snappy come-back? I would say "ask your coach" what he would do but we already know his answer, Lie, Lie, LIE! What, no snappy denial to that, either? Then maybe you should stay off other teams' sites until you can reply. TiM Go Blue!
David Vande Bunte
Mon, May 9, 2011 : 5:14 p.m.
Yeah...and they get punished for it, not rewarded by being allowed to play an entire season +bowl game while ineligible.
wolfman
Mon, May 9, 2011 : 1:06 a.m.
It sounds like the Colleges are going to go the NFL way and let those who was in prison or county jail and when I said prison a guy named Vick comes to mind he should never been let back in
wolfman
Mon, May 9, 2011 : 1 a.m.
Well the Coach did the right thing I mean he knew what the Rules are
Tru2Blu76
Sun, May 8, 2011 : 10:26 p.m.
Foolish, yes. But I'll not be handing out any premature (uninformed) "sentences" or suggestions for sentencing. I do believe Coach Hoke is capable of getting deeper into Mr. Stonum's motivations and state of mind than I am or for that matter anyone commenting here. We can hold up hope that Hoke will see all the angles and make an accurate judgement on Stonum's future at Michigan. Part of "walking the walk" is, as Hoke himself says, is caring for the individuals on the team as individuals. Caring: may just as well result in ending Stonum's membership on the team as it might result in giving him some kind of treatment and keeping him on. Whatever, we all know that the outcome depends on Stonum's response to this latest transgression. We should pray that he has it in him to straighten up and fly right.
truebluefan
Sun, May 8, 2011 : 7:42 p.m.
A second DUI after his previous mishaps almost has to be the nail in the coffin for Stonum. At the very least Hoke should force him to sit out the year and take a redshirt. It would be unfair to suspend him for half the season then burn his senior year of eligibility on a few games. It's very unfortunate because I think Stonum was going to be an All B10 caliber WR this season.
InsideTheHall
Sun, May 8, 2011 : 12:44 p.m.
Once learned, twice remembered, and the third time you are just plain stupid or don't care. Give the minutes to the "River Rat" Jeremy Jackson.
ThoseWhoStayUofM
Sun, May 8, 2011 : 11:46 a.m.
Darryl Stonum is one of the most intelligent idiots I have ever heard of. He is increadibly bright and well spoken, but has repeatedly done some of the stupidest things a college athlete can do. So much potential is being wasted by this kid. I'm starting to think he may never learn from his mistakes. He is getting too old for this behavior. It might be time just to let him go. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me three, four, five times, it's getting a little ridiculous at this point.
Sallyxyz
Sun, May 8, 2011 : 10:42 a.m.
I agree with JPH. Criminals who can play a game should not be coddled. Stonum has multiple serious offenses and needs to either clean up his act once and for all, or be kicked off the team and out of the UM. The consequences for his previous criminal violations were too lenient, and he continues his criminal behavior. Michigan football players are expected to be leaders, not felons who get a slap on the wrist.
JPH
Sun, May 8, 2011 : 4:45 a.m.
Coach Hoke faces his first true test. He has talked the talk of being "tough"--he himself and the players on his team. Mr. Stonum wasn't tough enough to deny himself alcohol so as not to endanger the lives of others, not once but *twice.* What would Bo have done about that? Mr. Stonum also drove without a license and violated the terms of his probation *multiple times.* He's had at least five strikes, not three. What would Bo have done about that? Will Coach Hoke, who seems to be a man in the Bo mold, a real straight shooter, will he terminate Stonum's connection with the team? If he does not, then his tough talk will be like Tressel's or D'Antonio's. Coddle criminals because they can play football. What lesson of life does that teach Mr. Stonum? That whatever his actions, they will have no significant consequences, because he can play a game? Letting Mr. Stonum stay on the team (or at the University for that matter) would be a disservice to every player on the team because it would undercut their coach's credibility. It would be a disservice to every student at U/M who lives by the rules. It would be a disservice to fans, who are proud of the Michigan Wolverines. It would be a disservice to the memory of Michigan men like Cecil Pryor and Vada Murray. Coach Rodriguez did the right thing in the cases of the felons J. Feagin and B. Cissoko. Now we will see whether Coach Hoke is capable of walking the walk. Is there any doubt what advice Bo would give him?
Robert Granville
Sun, May 8, 2011 : 12:49 p.m.
What point would completely terminating him from the team and the school prove? That you have to be perfect to attend Michigan? Everyone makes mistakes. Stonum has been in an environment where his behavior was tolerated up to this point. I believe Hoke has made the right decision in coming as close to completely terminating him as possible, while still leaving open the possibility of returning if he can straighten his behavior and legal issues out. It's like he's saying, "Under my leadership this behavior will not be tolerated. You have 6 months to shape up or ship out." Would it really be appropriate for Hoke to punish Stonum for behavior that predates his tenure and was perpetrated under a lax system?
Blu n Tpa
Sun, May 8, 2011 : 12:28 p.m.
JPH He's suspended "from all team actitivites" until he works his way through the legal system. The Punishment. It's immediate and appropriate. Coach Hoke states Michigan will supply what assistance it can to help DS be a complete person and safe to live in our society. The Support. To stop DS from making decisions that harm him and threathen us. I'm sure that the University has a policy regarding this type of behavior and DS certainly has legal rights which must be considered in whatever decision Coach Hoke and/or the University make. As serious as this is, it's not selling cocaine out of his dorm like JF. Have a nice day.
kidmich
Sun, May 8, 2011 : 2:13 a.m.
I wonder, should we follow the OSUcks method of justice. Suspend Stonum for five games, in 2014?
David Vande Bunte
Mon, May 9, 2011 : 5:12 p.m.
Murrow, I deeply suspect that kidmich was being quite sarcastic, and was insulting OSU, not seriously suggesting that we actually follow their example.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, May 8, 2011 : 5:04 p.m.
And lower ourselves to O-Lie-O State's standards? We just got rid of the WCiMFH, someone who was headed down that road. Good Night and Good Luck
missionbrazil
Sat, May 7, 2011 : 10:07 p.m.
"We will provide the appropriate support and counseling in order for him to learn and grow from this mistake." Besides providing the obviously necessary discipline this situation calls for, I like the fact that Coach Hoke is trying to also provide a way to help DS work through these problems. Obviously something is causing these troubles, and it will be up to DS from this point on to do what is necessary and make use of the help offered to him to work through these problems.
Mick
Sat, May 7, 2011 : 10:04 p.m.
And supposedly, Pharaoh Brown just committed also, let me hear you all say it.......Go Blue!!!
Mick
Sat, May 7, 2011 : 10 p.m.
Mario Ojemudia just committed to U-M, Hoke you are the man!!!! So nice to see us recruit like this again!!! TiM Go Blue!!!
DonAZ
Sat, May 7, 2011 : 10:45 p.m.
Over at Rivals.com they have the list of commitments, including Ojemudia. Here's the thing that just makes me smile -- THEY'RE ALL OVER 6 FEET TALL, and ALL OVER 200 POUNDS!! Yea!!
Mick
Sat, May 7, 2011 : 9:48 p.m.
After reading the previous article on Mallett's seeking out LC for advice, I think it should be clear, according to the MCC, that Stonum's issues should be considered Carr's fault. Stonum's DUI happened in 08', so hey, that's close to 07', Carr's last year, so based on that, Carr should be blamed for everything that went wrong in the history of mankind. On a serious note, Stonum, you are a young man with a great opportunity, don't blow it. Get your act together and make your family proud and do the things needed to be done to earn back your spot, I'll be rooting for you in a huge way, good luck to you and I hope to see you on the field with a great season for you and the TEAM!!! To Hoke, thank you for being our coach and doing the right thing, TiM Go Blue!!!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, May 8, 2011 : 1:40 p.m.
Dusty, Dusty, Dusty The MCC: at it again. Don't like sarcasm much? Good Night and Good Luck
tater
Sat, May 7, 2011 : 9:48 p.m.
I think we have another entry into the "attrition" column. If there's ever a year they can afford attrition, it's this one. It's a very strong year for midwest recruiting, and there are more than enough able bodies to replace anyone who leaves. As long as his name isn't Denard or Devin.
1st Down
Sat, May 7, 2011 : 9:36 p.m.
Here is a man....that is a senior and still cant get his act together. Tossing away a free education at one of the top universities in the country... he was a borderline 2nd day NFL draft pick to begin with...now with his history of off the field issues, he will not be drafted and possibly has shot down his own pro possibilities with his own stupidity...some people are their own worst enemy.
JadedBlackDepth
Sat, May 7, 2011 : 9:08 p.m.
broke probation last year. and nothing happened. not a single game missed. no punishment. maybe this new coach and his team will use some tact and dish out some discipline and this time Stonum will learn. Or create a no felony rule like must other, including the school to the north east use. Commit a felony, goodbye.
Gorc
Sun, May 8, 2011 : 5:52 p.m.
JohnnyA2 - what does poltics have to do with this? That comment shows how there is lack of balance to find middle ground with other people.
johnnya2
Sun, May 8, 2011 : 4:23 p.m.
I would agree with Robert on this. I do have issues with multiple time offenders not being disciplined in the name of winning, but I do not think doing ANYTHING automatically is ever a good idea. It is a failing in our current "punishment" driven criminal justice system. Politicians try to take discretion and INDIVIDUAL situations out of the equation> it is amazing to me that republicans, the party of so-called individuality, wants a one size fits all approach to things.
Robert Granville
Sun, May 8, 2011 : 12:41 p.m.
Creating a no felony rule would be inappropriate in my opinion. A rule that allows no discretion also does not allow good young men who have made mistakes to ever recover. Every felony is not the same and the people who have one are not forever destined to be the dregs of society.... unless we keep creating laws and rules that do not allow for them to make up for their mistakes.. This very well may be the final straw for Stonum, personally, and he may never make another mistake like this again. Let the coaches and administrators do their job and evaluate players on a case to case basis. They're intelligent people... they can figure out whether or not a player deserves a spot on the team. We don't need to take away Hoke's autonomy over the players. That's for lesser coaches... lesser schools.
Ignatz
Sat, May 7, 2011 : 7:59 p.m.
That's too bad. I hope Stonum gets his act together. I am gratified that Coach took the step to reinforce Michigan standards. I don't want to see us become like teams to the north northwest and "down there".
DonAZ
Sat, May 7, 2011 : 7:22 p.m.
Time will reveal the details on this. In any event, it's hard to find much joy in the state of college football nowadays. A quick scan of ESPN.com shows item after item about problems with various programs and issues with specific players. There's a lot of money sloshing around college football, and with that comes temptation ... and from that comes problems.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, May 7, 2011 : 8:54 p.m.
well said Don. I think your larger points are valid.
DonAZ
Sat, May 7, 2011 : 8:38 p.m.
What assertions are you speaking of? Did you not see the very first sentence -- "Time will reveal the details of this?" Are you assuming my last sentence about money bears direct relation to the Stonum situation? I have no idea whatever about Stonum. My comment about money and its effect on college football was meant (obviously) in a much larger context. My second paragraph sets that context.
R
Sat, May 7, 2011 : 7:55 p.m.
It is silly to make such assertions when you have absolutely no idea what happened.
48104
Sat, May 7, 2011 : 7:04 p.m.
"Ann Arbor Police Department and Washtenaw County Sherif's Office spokespersons told AnnArbor.com on Saturday that they were not aware of recent legal trouble involving Stonum." Perhaps he's back home in Texas.