Michigan punter Hagerup supports decision to dismiss Frank Clark
Michigan punter Will Hagerup supports coach Brady Hoke's decision to dismiss senior defensive lineman Frank Clark from the team, according to a report from TheDetroit Free Press.
Clark was arrested and charged for domestic violence over an incident involving his girlfriend in a hotel room in Ohio. Hoke announced Clark's dismissal for violating team rules in a statement on Monday.
Hagerup said that there are "lots of ways to screw up" the opportunity of playing football at Michigan, and said he's glad violence against women isn't tolerated at the university. From the report:
"We've met about it," U-M senior punter Will Hagerup said Tuesday after practice. "Coach Hoke's a very passionate guy but there's no line in him with this issue, this topic. He's obviously made it clear that he has a wife, he has sisters, he's got a mother, he's got a daughter. I have a mom, I have a sister, etc. and I'm glad we don't tolerate violence against women at this school." [...]
"It's a privilege to play here and there are rules when you play here that you follow and there's conduct that you follow," Hagerup said. "In this case, Coach Hoke has made it incredibly clear, which I hope any head coach would, that there are certain rules, if broken that's it. It is fragile, the opportunity you have here and there are lots of ways to screw up that opportunity. Obviously I've had my issues and I hope Frank can turn things around and make improvements in his life, but I support Coach Hoke's decision and what he did. And I don't support the actions that took place, at all."
Clark had recorded 42 tackles and 5.0 sacks this season.
Hagerup, a redshirt senior, has had his own share of off-the-field issues. The punter has been suspended for breaking team rules three times in his Michigan career.
Michigan (5-5, 3-3 Big Ten) hosts Maryland on Saturday.
- Chris Johnson
