Michigan football coach Brady Hoke’s press conference Monday focused on the program’s handling of sophomore quarterback Shane Morris, who was hit in the head midway through the fourth quarter in Saturday’s loss to Minnesota.
After stumbling following the helmet-to-helmet impact, Morris played two more snaps for the Wolverines.
Here are news bullets from the press conference:
* Hoke said Morris would have practiced yesterday were it not for a high-ankle sprain suffered against the Golden Gophers. The fourth-year coach said he was only aware of an ankle injury and not a head injury.
“We would never, ever put a guy on the field when there’s a possibility of head trauma,” he said.
The Michigan football program will send media a release later Monday afternoon with a further statement.
If a similar situation were to occur in the future, Hoke said he didn’t know whether or not he’d handle it any differently, citing that it was a hypothetical scenario.
* Morris told coaches he needed support from offensive lineman Ben Braden following the hit because his ankle gave out, according to Hoke.
“I don’t make decisions on who plays and who doesn’t play, as far as when there’s injuries,” Hoke said.
Though Morris appeared to injure his ankle in the third quarter, Hoke said medical personnel cleared the quarterback to resume playing. He also noted Morris’ competitive attitude as a reason for staying in the game even after the ankle sprain.
* Hoke said he has not spoken to Athletic Director Dave Brandon about the Morris incident or job security.
* When asked whether attacks on Hoke’s character are fair, defensive coordinator Greg Mattison replied, “If somebody ever attacks that man’s character, they’re totally off-base.”
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