Michigan held its regularly scheduled weekly press conference Monday, and it saw head coach Brady Hoke on defense from the start. Like much of Michigan’s performance on the field, Hoke’s defense was shaky.
Facing multiple questions regarding the handling of quarterback Shane Morris during Saturday’s loss to Minnesota, Hoke constantly referred directions to a statement that will be presented by the Michigan medical staff later on. As far as Hoke was concerned, Morris suffered a high ankle sprain and was not ruled out by his medical staff.
“I don’t make decisions on who does or doesn’t play when there are injuries,” Hoke said. Just like that, Hoke tried to deflect any negative reaction to the handling of Morris off on the medical staff at Michigan.
On multiple occasions, Hoke said he trusted his medical staff and claimed they had never let him down at any point the last three years. Hoke also stood firm on the ankle sprain injury to Morris being the only reason he was taken out. Asked about video showing Morris wobbly on the field, Hoke said it was his quarterback’s ankle that was giving out on him and not a head trauma concern.
According to Hoke, Morris waving off trainers on the field “tells you something,” about Morris and his mentality. Hoke took that motion as a sign Morris was able top play through pain. The video tends to speak volumes and paint a different picture, but Hoke stood firm on the ankle injury. Hoke even said Morris would have practiced last night if not for the ankle injury.
Asked if he had spoken about his job performance or the Morris injury with Michigan Athletics Director Dave Brandon, Hoke said “No.” Hoke was also asked if he would wear a headset moving forward. “No,” was his response.
Hoke attempted to shift the focus to Michigan’s next opponent, Rutgers, but each question posed to him during the Monday press conference was related to his handling of the team’s injuries, specifically Morris.