Michigan apologizes for playing concussed QB

Associated Press

ANN ARBOR, Mich.

Michigan announced changes to its injury protocol Tuesday, admitting it made a mistake in handling quarterback Shane Morris following a suspected concussion because of a “serious lack of communication” and “confusion” among the coaching staff.

Athletic director Dave Brandon said Michigan plans to have a medical professional in the press box or video booth at future football games after what happened over the weekend.

Coach Brady Hoke has been criticized for not immediately sitting Morris for the rest of the game after the sophomore took a hard hit in the fourth quarter against Minnesota on Saturday. Hoke said Monday he didn’t see the hit on Morris, and that all he knew at the time was that his quarterback was dealing with an ankle issue.

About 12 hours later, Brandon released a statement saying Morris had eventually been diagnosed with a probable concussion.

“In my judgment, there was a serious lack of communication that led to confusion on the sideline. Unfortunately, this confusion created a circumstance that was not in the best interest of one of our student-athletes,” Brandon said. “I sincerely apologize for the mistakes that were made.”

University President Mark S. Schlissel apologized to Morris, his family and teammates.

“As the leader of our university community, I want to express my extreme disappointment in the events surrounding the handling of an on-field injury to one of our football players,” Schlissel said. He said he has asked the athletics department to give him and the Board of Regents “a thorough review of our in-game player safety procedures, particularly those involving head injuries.”