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Hoke Says He And Brandon Are 'Very Supportive' Of Each Other, Goes Mum On Concussion Communication Question

By Christy Strawser

ANN ARBOR (CBS Detroit) As Brady Hoke took over the line for the weekly Big Ten teleconference call, reporters were waiting with baited breath.

Would he talk about the scandal that rocked the University of Michigan after a concussed Shane Morris was allowed to keep playing this weekend?

Well yes, and no.

"No. 1, I want to refer to the statement that we made, released, regarding Shane Morris," Hoke said. "I'm not going to add anything to that statement today other than echo that the safety of our student athletes is our top priority and we all are committed to making sure we get that right.

"The thing that I feel bad for Shane is he's going through this entire situation that has come with it and we have 115 young men here that we care deeply about ... We are looking forward to the Rutgers game, it's a unique opportunity, it's two of the oldest programs in college football meeting for the first time..."

And that was basically all he would say.

A reporter from ESPN asked about any conversations Hoke has had with Dave Brandon, who released a 1 a.m. statement this morning admitting Morris did have a concussion and apologizing for miscommunication. That followed Hoke speaking to the media and saying to his knowledge Morris did not have a concussion.

Aside from the concussion issue, there was national outrage after an obviously injured Morris was allowed to keep playing after he could barely stand up following a hard hit.

On the Brandon question, Hoke said, characteristically: "Like I said, we put out a statement yesterday, and I'm going to let that speak for itself."

What's his relationship with Brandon like at this point? "I think we all are working to the same goal, we all want to win games and we all want to represent the University of Michigan with the high character and integrity that it deserves," Hoke said in response to the question. "We're very supportive of each other."

On Morris, Hoke said "he's a tough kid" and said they're focused on getting him healthy. Hoke wouldn't say if Morris will play this weekend or practice today. He added he feels bad Morris was "put in the middle of this."

When a reporter pressed him on communication with Brandon and whether he had spoken with him following the concussion issues, Hoke said "the statement's out there and it is what it is, and have I spoken in the last 48 hours? There's no question about it."

Hoke told reporters Monday he had not spoken with Brandon about the situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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