.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
Michigan coach Brady Hoke received a large amount of criticism for his handling of quarterback Shane Morris in Saturday's loss to Minnesota.
In the fourth quarter, Morris took a hard hit and appeared to have suffered a potential head injury, as he was visibly wobbily and at one point needed to be supported by an offensive lineman.
Morris was allowed to remain in the game for the next play before being pulled. Later in the quarter, after QB Devin Gardner had to sit out a play, Morris was reentered into the game for another play.
Hoke said after the game, "I don't know if he had a concussion or not, I don't know that. Shane's a pretty competitive, tough kid. And Shane wanted to be the quarterback, and so, believe me, if he didn't want to be he would've come to the sideline or stayed down."
The coach also said he did not see Morris nearly collapse into a lineman's arms after taking the hit.
On Sunday, Michigan released a statement from Hoke regarding his handling of Morris. Hoke's statement reads:
The safety of our student-athletes is always our top priority. We generally never discuss the specifics of a student-athlete’s medical care, but Shane Morris was removed from yesterday’s game against Minnesota after further aggravating an injury to his leg that he sustained earlier in the contest. He was evaluated by our experienced athletic trainers and team physicians, and we’re confident proper medical decisions were made. The University of Michigan has a distinguished group of Certified Athletic Trainers and team physicians who are responsible for determining whether or not a player is physically able to play. Our coaches have no influence or authority to make determinations if or when an injured player returns to competition. The health and welfare of our student-athletes is and will continue to be a top priority.
Here is video of the hit Morris took and his reactions after the play.
