Twice in the past three years, Michigan wide receiver Darryl Stonum has been arrested and charged with drunk driving.
As it turns out, the second one will cost the senior his availability for the upcoming season.
According to a press release issued by the school Sunday evening, Stonum will redshirt and not play during the 2011 season. The release did not specifically address the reasons behind the decision to redshirt, although it doesn’t take a sober rocket surgeon to figure it out.
“While it would be great to have Darryl on the field this season, we feel it is in his best interest and the best interest of our program for him to redshirt,” said head coach Brady Hoke in a statement. “Darryl will continue to be an important part of our team and family. He has done everything we have asked him to do, but our number one priority is to help Darryl grow as a person.”
Stonum was charged with DUI Labor Day weekend of 2008, then was charged with the same offense in early May of this year. Additionally, it had been reported that, between May of 2009 and June of 2010, Stonum violated the terms of his probation multiple times for missing court dates and failing to submit to random alcohol testing after his first conviction.
In the middle of June, Hoke stated that there was no change in Stonum’s status with the team -- he had been suspended indefinitely following the May arrest -- and that “we’re just evaluating the whole process.. personal and legal and all that.” Hoke also added that if Stonum “fulfills all of the commitments he has to the legal system and our program, we will make a determination regarding his return to the team.”
Obviously, that determination is that it’s best for Stonum and the football program for the receiver to sit out the entire 2011 season.
Stonum has started 25 of the 36 games in which he’s played since coming to Michigan as a member of their 2008 recruiting class. He finished second on the Wolverines in receptions (49) and receiving yards (633) in 2010. His four receiving touchdowns were tied for second on the team as well.