The University of Michigan student paper was mysteriously uninvited to a Monday press conference in which head football coach Brady Hoke discussed the December expulsion of K Brendan Gibbons — a story broken by said publication last week. The Detroit Free Press’ Mark Snyder recaps Hoke’s stonewalling of those who were admitted to the Q&A, during which Hoke insisted, “for people to attack the character and integrity that we have as a program, as Michigan and me personally, I think is something that’s something that not true.”
Hoke said he couldn’t talk about himself. Or when he found out about Gibbons’ expulsion. Or why he told reporters Dec. 23 that Gibbons would miss the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl on Dec. 28 because of a “family matter” in Florida.
When asked whether Gibbons was actually injured for the Nov. 30 Ohio State game as Hoke said at the time — which was 10 days after the misconduct case closed, the Daily reported — the coach was cut off by a sports information staffer who reminded reporters about the released statement and said Hoke wasn’t discussing it.
Hoke said he hasn’t addressed the matter on the recruiting trail. “Haven’t had to,” he said. “It hasn’t been a hiccup.” And he wouldn’t admit to being frustrated by the restriction to defend himself.
“It is what it is, it’s federal laws and all that stuff, university policy,” he said. “And to be honest with you, it’s not fair to anybody involved.”