Probation violation costs Darryl Stonum his last chance at Michigan
Michigan and Darryl Stonum have finally parted ways.
Two days after the junior wide receiver was released from jail for a probation violation stemming from a drunk driving arrest last May, Michigan has decided to send Stonum packing:
"I love Darryl and wish him nothing but the absolute best," Hoke said in a statement released by the school. "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."
Stonum was sentenced to 10 days in jail this month after he was stopped and found to be driving on a revoked license, which was a violation of his parole. Ironically, he was going to his probation meeting when he was stopped.
Stonum redshirted in 2011, but had 76 catches for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns in 36 games (25 starts). He also had two drunken-driving arrests and two stints in jail.
Stonum was supposed to be a major contributor for the Wolverines next season, but with him gone, Michigan will have to look to Jeremy Gallon, Jerald Robinson or Jeremy Jackson to fill his role this spring.
Stonum said he understood the consequences for his actions, but still planned on finishing his degree at Michigan.
"I appreciate everything the University of Michigan, Dave Brandon and Coach Hoke have done for me," Stonum said in a 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. I understand only I am responsible for my actions. I'm sad about how all of this turned out, but I completely understand. I love this school and my team and will miss them all greatly. But I'll always be a Wolverine. 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. I want to thank everyone for all of their support, and I hope they will support me in the future."
Wonder how long until Stonum ends up at Arizona with former Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez?
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Graham Watson is on Facebook and Twitter: Follow her @Yahoo_Graham
