ANN ARBOR -- Michigan football coach Brady Hoke issued a written statement today, his first comments in the wake of the school's expulsion of Brendan Gibbons for a violation of the school's student sexual misconduct policy.
Hoke's statement cited federal privacy laws for not commenting directly on Gibbons' expulsion. It also reiterated a statement issued last week by UM president Mary Sue Coleman, which debunked reports of the athletic department's possible influence over an investigation involving a former UM athlete.
"Michigan Athletics has no influence over any part of a review of a potential violation of University's student code of conduct - not the process, the investigation or the timing of the resolution," Hoke's statement read. "In general, while we may be aware of an on-going proceeding, we always strive to balance transparency with privacy.
"Our usual approach is to not issue discipline related to a student's standing on the team before the University's process runs its course and the outcome has been determined. We will always respect the rights and confidentiality of the process and the parties involved. One way we do that is by not discussing the details of student disciplinary matters.
"So while I would like to be more forthcoming, I can't provide any details due to federal privacy laws and University policies.
"We talk every day with our kids about the importance of character and integrity. It's something we take very seriously, how we're going to do things the right way. We talk daily about your name and what it means. That's why you get into this as a coach, to help young men grow and learn and mature. We're held to those standards, and we hold them to that. I think I've made clear our expectations, and our actions and discipline involving incidents in the past have reflected that. And those standards will not be compromised."
Gibbons' expulsion reportedly stems from a 2009 incident, and it was reported last week by the Michigan Daily, UM's student newspaper.
First Published February 3, 2014, 6:41 p.m.
