Former Michigan kicker Brandon Gibbons expelled from school prior to Ohio State game
Former Michigan kicker Brendon Gibbons has been expelled from school for violating the school’s sexual misconduct policies.
The expulsion was effective Dec. 20, 2013.
Gibbons, who had exhausted his football eligibility following the conclusion of this season, was a graduate student in the School of Social Work after graduating with an undergraduate degree in general studies.
University’s Office of Student Conflict Resolution (OSCR) said the expulsion stemmed from an incident on Nov. 22, 2009. At that time, there were several media reports regarding a sexual assault involving a Michigan football player. The police report taken at that time said the alleged victim also was a student-athlete. Both were freshmen and the incident occurred during a party at a fraternity house. Alcohol was involved.
The alleged victim met with a friend after the incident and told her the story. She also filed a police report. The police talked to Gibbons, who said the sex was consensual. No charges were filed.
According to documents obtained by The Michigan Daily, Stacy Vander Velde, associate director of OSCR, signed a document on Nov. 20, 2013 that determined the evidence in the case supported “a finding that the Respondent engaged in unwanted or unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, committed without valid consent, and that conduct was so severe as to create a hostile, offensive, or abusive environment.”
The Michigan Daily reported Michigan administrators refused to comment on Gibbons’ situation citing privacy laws. They also would not comment on why it took so long for the matter to be resolved. However, MGoBlog.com did have some good analysis of the way the university handled the incident and the delay.
Gibbons did not play against Ohio State for what coach Brady Hoke claimed was an injured muscle. Gibbons also didn't travel to Tempe, Ariz., for the Dec. 28 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl because coach Brady Hoke said he was dealing with a family matter at home, not because he had been expelled from school.
Gibbons is fourth in Michigan history in made field goals and is the school leader in made extra points. His most famous kick was the game-winning effort in the 2011 Sugar Bowl.
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