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The University of Michigan once had a proud football program, and they still have the overall win/loss record that shows it. However, this season in particular has been a disaster for Michigan. The program is in shambles and only Brady Hoke can be held accountable.
Football coaches are responsible for the behavior of their student athletes. If a coach cannot come into a program like Michigan and instill morals as well as skills, then that coach should be finding a new job.
The latest debacle by a Michigan player is probably the most serious. Frank Clark was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence. Domestic violence crimes occur all too often, and that is a lesson that the NFL has also learned the hard way. Clark’s actions could have put the first-round draft talent on the outside of the NFL looking in. Clark was subsequently dismissed from the Michigan football program.
Hoke has taken the brunt of the angst felt by students, alumni and fans. Many Michigan fans don’t expect Hoke to return in 2015, and Clark’s court case isn’t going to help. Clark is not even the first Michigan player to be looking at serious charges while under Hoke’s tenure. Taylor Lewan, now of the Tennessee Titans, just plead guilty to drunk and disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace. Lewan was able to get assault charges dropped in addition to his plea deal.
When it comes to a former elite college football program trying to rebuild their team, the last thing that program needs is its biggest star players in trouble with the law. Nobody should be held responsible for the actions of another man, but in Hoke’s case he has to be held accountable for not keeping his players focused on football.
Clark will no longer get the honor of suiting up for the proud Michigan football program. If Michigan wants to save face for their football program, then they need to act swiftly in their handling of Hoke, too. Too many top recruits have decommitted from Michigan because of events that could be prevented. Changes must happen in Ann Arbor and they need to happen soon.
Hoke will get credit for dismissing Clark before there was a media circus involving the program, but it really is too little, too late.
Travis Newville is a Detroit Lions writer for www.RantSports.com. you can follow him on Twitter @travisto989, or Like him on Facebook here. Add him to your Google network.
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