Receiver Darryl Stonum dismissed from Michigan football team for violation of team rules
The Darryl Stonum saga is over at the University of Michigan.
The school announced via a press release this afternoon that the senior receiver has been dismissed from the football team for a violation of team rules.
Michigan wide receiver Darryl Stonum, right, is consoled walking off the Ohio Stadium field following a 37-7 loss to Ohio State in 2010. That game ended up being the last regular season game of Stonum's career at Michigan. He was was dismissed from the team Tuesday after spending the past season redshirted because of a violation of team rules.
AnnArbor.com file photo
"I love Darryl and wish him nothing but the absolute best," Michigan coach Brady Hoke said in the release. "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."
The release did not explicitly state Stonum's violation, but it's believed to be his latest probation violation, which earned him a 10-day jail sentence. He was released Saturday, ending his stint two days early.
Stonum's probation stems from a drunken driving arrest last year, the second of his career. He was redshirted for the season and was expected to return next year to play out his final year of eligibility.
He was expected to start at receiver and kick returner.
"I appreciate everything the University of Michigan, (athletic director) Dave Brandon and Coach Hoke have done for me," Stonum said in the statement. "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.
Darryl Stonum
Stonum, from Denton, Texas, made 25 starts in his first three season.s He finishes his career with 76 catches 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.
"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," Stonum said. "I want to thank everyone for all of their support, and I hope they will support me in the future."
Stonum is the first player to be dismissed by Hoke, who just completed his first season as Michigan's coach. Six other players left the team before or during the season.
The Wolverines also lose No. 1 receiver Junior Hemingway to graduation, meaning the top returners at that position will be Jeremy Gallon (31 receptions for 453 yards, three touchdowns), Drew Dileo (nine for 121 yards, two TDs) and Jeremy Jackson (three for 36 yards, no touchdowns).
Roy Roundtree and Gallon are expected to start next year, but it's unclear who will be alongside them. The frontrunners for the spot likely are Jerald Robinson, whom coaches were high on during fall camp, and Jackson.
It also could open the way for an incoming freshman. Michigan has verbal commitments from four-star Amara Darboh and three-star Jehu Chesson, and now could sign one more receiver.
The staff is expected to make an in-home visit to four-star wideout Jordan Payton on Thursday, per Payton's Twitter account. Payton is a former Michigan target who recently committed to California.
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
sharma saith
Fri, Jan 20, 2012 : 8:29 p.m.
.....hope the 'people in the know' KNOW what they have done. .....seems overly harsh to dismiss this young man for that offence. ....hope they have 'not destroyed him'.
roll tide
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 9:33 p.m.
The most important this is his degree and making better life choices.
knotch
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 8:27 p.m.
Very sad...I'm not sorry to say it...I hope this is a learning experience for other players...and those High School prima donna's. You have too grow up and show some responsibility for your action and paying a little price like this...I pray this helps a kid make the correct choice. Best of luck Darryl....God Speed.
The1Cool
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 5:49 p.m.
Hoke handled this well. He came in and disciplined Stonum by suspending him for the season. Anyone that has had to watch his/her teammates compete without them (due to injury or suspension) knows how painful it can be for one quarter, one game, let alone a full season. Stonum had the chance to change his behavior and he failed to due so. What I don't get is how most people infer that Stonum received preferential treatment b/c of his status as an athlete. I know this happens, but it seems that most people assume that students who aren't athletes are immediately dismissed when convicted of a crime. Students commit DUIs, MIPs, DWIs, drug-related offenses etc. and are given second chances just as student athletes are. You just don't read about those cases b/c no one cares.
reknedrog36
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 4:14 p.m.
Brady Hoke again demonstrated integrity and that athletes must be held accountable for their actions. Contrast this with Michigan State U. coach, Mike Dantonio., a former Jim Tressel assistant at Ohio State U. In the last two years, Glenn Winston, Dion Sims and Chris Rucker were all reinstated to the team following criminal infractions including aggravated assault, DUI and theft of computers from Detroit Public schools. Rucker was immediately reinstated after serving eight days in a Lansing jail for driving under the influence. Dantonio has proven to be a good coach but demonstrates a clear lack of ethics and refuses to hold student athletes (or is it athlete students?) accountable for their indiscretions.
towny
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:48 p.m.
Hope these are not just words expressed from him. Hopefully he will learn from his mistakes and straighten his life out and continue with a promising football career in the future. Because if he continues with his errors in judgement, life will not be good to him. Congratulations on Graduation in the spring Darryl. Coach Hoke sorry you had no choice. Respect to you for doing the right thing and upholding the high standards of U of M. Go Blue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1.
Scott
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 3:31 p.m.
If you'll lie to a judge chances are you'll lie to the media. He has real problems- drinking and driving, impulse control, and lying (which if you are a politician, ceo, or high level administrator) is considered OK. For "regular" folk it's considered a character defect. long live the common folk!
boo
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 3:07 a.m.
hope this kid graduates and gets some help for his alcohol problem. I'm sure a team will take him and he could play right away since he would be a graduate (like Russell Wilson). Just hope he doesn't come back to play against us. Hopefully he'll go south or west. He'll be recruited heavily. I predict USC to play with Barkley.
RJ12688
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 5:29 a.m.
I think he would have to be studying as a grad student to get that extra year though. Maybe he is, but i wouldnt be surprised to see him trying to get a look in the NFL
Ed daggett
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 2:13 a.m.
why is he thanking the athletic director? The media release form was obviously prepared by Michigan. Brandon is trying to get his name in the paper more than a presidential candidate.
Terry Star21
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 2:18 a.m.
Ed...Brandon was the final say in setting guidelines for Stonum to adhere to and he does hundreds of things behind scenes that he is never acknowledged or thanked for. Brandon deserves every thanks and acknowledgement.
Tru2Blu76
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 1:37 a.m.
I too am impressed with both Coach Hoke and Darryl Stonum. It's saddening to see it end this way for him but I'm very glad he's expressed his will to right his life and continue at a higher level. Best of luck, Darryl. Your love for Michigan will be returned in kind, I'm sure.
Silly Sally
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:39 p.m.
Impressed with a criminal? Huh? Why? Most smart UM students would have not violated their parole.
D21
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:50 a.m.
Urban "The Myth" Meyer explained why he dismissed two of the players from the team: either have at least 5 tattoos or you aren't on the team. It's great to be a Wolverine!
Terry Star21
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:24 a.m.
There is a lot more to this story than illustrated. Stonum was given a second chance (not three) and was allowed to stay in the university and practice with the team under strict rules and guidelines he agreed and signed. It was a zero tolerance situation. He followed those guidelines and was actually making a good example. He was perfect in every way. No one knows (or is saying) what exactly went wrong, but it did and he made that fatal decision. Hoke waited for his release, met with him to explain the decision, then released his decision to the university. It was a class act - presented with class and excepted with class...it was the Michigan way. MgoBlueForTiM.......making decisions with class, keeping traditions with class.
D21
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 11:44 a.m.
Good analysis TS21.
Terry Star21
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:27 a.m.
'accepted with class'...sorry.
Scott
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:22 a.m.
My respect for Hoke and Brandon just went up again...again. What a couple of class guys. They do the right thing rather than what "might" help them win a game. These guys really care about thee young men; about their character development and not just using physical talent. Go Blue.
cameron cimini
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 11:48 p.m.
The only reason Hoke did this was because Meyer tossed two off the Buckeyes yesterday
GoBigBlue
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:59 a.m.
Wow, you can't honestly beleive that.
azwolverine
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:04 a.m.
How insightful. I'm sure you're right because that's a perfectly valid reason to kick a player off the team. In fact, Hoke is probably looking for two more players to kick off as I write this just to make sure he stays ahead of Meyer.
EastCoastBlue
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 11:43 p.m.
If he were an hour east, good old Skidmark would have promoted him to captain for this type of behavior! I heard that he is already pushing the A.D. to get Gholston's jersey retired.
EastCoastBlue
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:01 a.m.
Make that west......
rightmind250
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 11:36 p.m.
4 alcohol related arrests by 21 and it took Hoke 2 weeks to make this decision. I guess Meyer forced his hand. 1 DUI for Clarke (a potential starter) and Meyer immediately let him go, within 24 hours. That's the difference between a winner and a lifetime .500 coach.
JustMyOpinion
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 5:09 p.m.
Rightmind250: My point is that all reports indicate this kid had a chance to turn it around, which would be to his personal benefit and to the teams. This, for me, is a reasonable position as it also considers player welfare and the teams (lets be honest though, them team will be fine without him) instead of making a rule without respect for the person. He had another chance, it didn't work. It's a shame. I have not heard any reports that this kid is a jerk or worthless, in fact, its been the opposite, but he has a serious problem.
Doug
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 3:51 p.m.
Hoke cares about his players, Meyer doesn't!
towny
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:56 p.m.
Really.
Robert Granville
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 8:13 a.m.
Meyer had ulterior motives in releasing 2 players. He brings a shady side of recruiting with him from the SEC known as oversigning. Expect him to release a few underperformers every year to make room for extra large recruiting classes.... and don't be surprised if a few kids are forced into greyshirt every year.
Ted
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 4:10 a.m.
You said in the previous post that Hoke better kick Stonum off the team, and now that he has, you are saying that he should've done it sooner? Still don't understand why you feel the need to criticize him.
rightmind250
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 2:46 a.m.
justmyopinion, What reputation. The only reputation you speak of is fabricated by you and Brandon. If you go by the facts, Hoke let this guy stick around a year longer than he would have anywhere else. That's Hoke's real reputation.
Terry Star21
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:13 a.m.
I think meyer has a better record than .500 ? The 'winner' made the right move. He would play @ osu, even be celebrated !
JustMyOpinion
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:10 a.m.
Oh piffle. Its simply one way to view it. Since none of us were involved intimately in the decision or details, its fairly silly to second guess the decision. For all we know there are extenuating circumstances that are in play to have permitted it to go this far. Coach Hoke has a good reputation and is reported to be focused on player welfare as well. Imagine putting player welfare - as if a coach actually also has a responsibility to his young players - into the decision.
michboy40
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 11:29 p.m.
No way in he** our closest competitors would have done that. They would rationalized whatever they needed to until the kid is lined up on the field. Good job Hoke!
tim
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 11:13 p.m.
I hope he goes pro.
Sallyxyz
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 11:07 p.m.
Big deal. He was on the team until now and graduates in April. So he didn't lose a thing. He should have been kicked off the team much sooner. He was arrested and convicted for multiple offenses and served jail time, and is STILL a UM student who is allowed to graduate. I don't get it. What does it take for a student-criminal to be kicked out of UM?
MRunner73
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 5:03 p.m.
Quit being too judgmental about being kicked out of U of M. He may not deserve any more chances to wear the Winged Helmut but he does deserve to get his degree.
Scott
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 3:26 p.m.
Your right. If a kid gets kicked off the team but they still pay his scholarship. That would be wrong. Seems like the two should go together.
Silly Sally
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:35 p.m.
No. He was kicked off the team, not out of UM. A BIG difference. I bet he doesn't even get a tuition bill foe this winter semester, either.
Scott
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:26 a.m.
A lot. But at least it happened.
D21
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 11:01 p.m.
Little brother, Don't get too excited cuz I just gave you a vote OUT OF PITY! Danner sent a limo for his player to play in a game. Even the inmates at Jackson State wants to play for Warden Danner. Michigan 38 ELCC 10 - Danner refuses to shake Hoke after the game and immediately heads off to Jackson State Prison to recruit a couple of prospects.
D21
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 10:34 p.m.
Johnnythelittlebrother, Danner would give Stonum at least 99 chances. It is great to be a law abiding Wolverine. TiM
RudeJude
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 4:49 p.m.
You also forgot Jalen Rose drunk driving thing from a few months ago. But about the Michigan being thrown out of the Western Conference, I did google that one, found nothing. I'd like to see a link for that one, I honestly have never heard that claim before.
Mush Room
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 2:45 p.m.
Johnnythlittlebrother: You may want to Google these -- "Fab Five" "Larry Harrison exposes himself" "Adam Stenavich gets drunk and pees in a club" "Marlin Jackson...enough said" "Horton beats up his girlfriend" "Red Berenson arrested for urinating in public" "James Whitley breaks into his girlfriends house" "Adrian Arrington Faces Domestic Assault Charges" "Lester Abram arrested for drunk driving" "Michigan was thrown out of the Western Conference "Big 10", in 1907 for cheating" "Mario Manningham arrested for possession of Marijuana" "Glen Rice arrested for beating his wife" "Kevin Grady blows a .28 and thinks Mickey Mouse is a dog" "Braylon Edwards Arrested for Drunk Driving" "Kevin Quick arrested for identity theft"
Scott
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:28 a.m.
The Rucker thing was no defensible. And of course MSU lost anyway.
Terry Star21
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:11 a.m.
Agree D21....but this kid who has a great heart would just turn into another thug @ msu, learning to hurt players after the whistle !
Johnny2x2x
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 10:59 p.m.
Rucker I meant.
Johnny2x2x
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 10:53 p.m.
Hey Big Sister, show me a case of Dano giving a kid 7 chances. Winston was out after his 3rd strike. Tucker missed 3 games after 2 strikes. Stonum would have missed zero career games after 2 MIPs, 2 DUIs, and 2 driving while license suspended if not for his 7th strike. Really something Big Sister can be proud of there.
Jim Pryce
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 10:33 p.m.
Maybe he'll wind up with the "snake oil salesman" that recruited him away from Purdue. Hello Arizona.
Paco12054
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 1:17 a.m.
It was Roundtree who was recruited away from Purdue.
Scott
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:16 a.m.
He was recruited by Lloyd Carr. People just can't stop slandering RR.
Berda Green
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 10:28 p.m.
SORRY TO HEAR WISH HIM ALL THE BEST
D21
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 10:13 p.m.
Yuri needs to grow up and not to think with his appendage 24/7. Mr Stonum, focus on graduating in a few months from now and God bless you.
icegoalie
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 9:59 p.m.
Sometimes it would be nice to take the easy out and just let players stay on the team right out of jail like some other coaches and schools, but this is Michigan. Good luck Darryl.
Johnny2x2x
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 10:13 p.m.
LOL, this is Stonums 7th strike!!! 7th!!! if not for the latest he would have suffered zero missed games at Michigan as a result of the previous 6 strikes. Keep dreaming, Stonum was given more chances at Michigan because they have no WRs in 2012.
MRunner73
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 9:57 p.m.
I hope Darryl does graduate in the spring. I wish him good luck and a brighter future. Meanwhile, the wheels are turning for the receiving corps.
Johnny Smith
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 9:56 p.m.
Wow... Yuri Wright's tweets cost him a chance to come to Michigan: <a href="http://www.chatsports.com/michigan-wolverines/a/Yuri-Wrights-tweets-are-why-Michigan-stopped-recruiting-him-10-2-1807" rel='nofollow'>http://www.chatsports.com/michigan-wolverines/a/Yuri-Wrights-tweets-are-why-Michigan-stopped-recruiting-him-10-2-1807</a>
ViSHa
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 11:09 p.m.
Which recent presidents were from New Jersey?
J. A. Pieper
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 1:01 a.m.
I think U of M was very wise to stop recruiting this person. The content of the tweets certainly does not represent a Michigan Man, someone we want to look up to, respect, count on to help the team. Plus, it seems he can't even write at the standards expected of a candidate for entry in to the University of Michigan! Oh, but he comes from the same state as two recent, former presidents, that says it all.
Scott
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:15 a.m.
Michigan dogded a bullet. Great job by whoever read the tweets and told the Athletic department about this young man's thought process. Maybe it's my "liberal" Michigan education but to me there is not much worse than having contempt for woman, black woman, white woman, Jewish woman.
heartbreakM
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 9:55 p.m.
I think Brady Hoke showed a lot of heart and leadership in the way that he handled this. His comments were sensitive (when they didn't need to be), yet he did the right thing. All the while, he kept the central theme of "high standard at Michigan". He has clearly established a level that he wants players to achieve--on the field and off the field, and he has shown that it's not all about wins and losses. I admire this coach as much for this as for anything he accomplished during the first season.
southyoop
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 10:35 p.m.
Uh, Johnny. How many seasons was Stonum eligible to play under Coach Hoke? One. How many seasons did he play for Coach Hoke? Zero. Is it possible that the high standard at Michigan had been pushed by the wayside for a few years under previous leadership? Coach Hoke came to the program, reviewed Stonum's situation and suspended him. Darryl did not follow through on the expectations placed upon him and he is therefore gone. Having said that, I hope that Stonum learns from this, earns his degree and has a productive life. P.S. - the statement about any other team kicking him off after his 2nd DUI made me chuckle
Johnny2x2x
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 10:10 p.m.
Is letting a guy still have a chance to play after 2 MIPs, 2 DUIs, and 2 Driving While license suspended revoked your idea of high standards? Kid wore out his welcome long ago and would have been off any other team in the country after his 2nd DUI. The thin depth chart gave him all these chances.
Goofus
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 9:52 p.m.
I guess he can keep his catching skills sharp taking passes from Tate Forcier, who also will have alot of free time on his hands.
JustMyOpinion
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 9:50 p.m.
I wish nothing but the best for Darryl and hope he has a chance to earn his degree and try out for the NFL. Life can be tough, but its how you pick yourself up from the lowest moments that defines your character, not the low moments. (Everyone has those, weather you can see them or not.) Good luck young man - make Michigan proud. Hope to read about your future success here in time.
garrisondyer
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 9:48 p.m.
Hope Darryl can straighten things out in his life. I also hope he believes those things he said in his statement, as opposed to simply talking the talk.
Johnny2x2x
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 9:46 p.m.
7 strikes was enough, Darryl Stonum should have been off the team long ago. I have no idea why they kept him around this long with 6 and 7 run ins with the law. The kid would have been thrown off any other team in the Country after his 2nd DUI, much less the probation violations, DWLS, and jail terms.
Robert Granville
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 8:10 a.m.
Hey Johnny... you're missing the forest for the trees. Stonum hasn't played since DUI #2... not one second in a single game.
Terry Star21
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:08 a.m.
Agree bigblue..he would play for notre dame and be a celebrity on the michigan state team.
bigblue
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 11:09 p.m.
notre dame would have let him play.........lol
MRunner73
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 9:54 p.m.
Your opion is as valid as any others but I would hope you could at least wish him good luck.
KeepingItReal
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 9:42 p.m.
Good Luck Darryl. I was hoping things would work out for your but unfortunately it didn't