Michigan cornerback J.T. Floyd, punter Will Hagerup and linebacker Brandin Hawthorne were suspended for the Outback Bowl on Sunday due to an undisclosed violation of team rules.
Two of them have now offered public apologies.
Floyd, whose five-year career ends with the suspension, offered these thoughts (
originally published by WolverineNation):
"I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to the University of Michigan, my fans, my friends, my coaches, my teammates, but most importantly, my parents, my daughter, and my family for a poor decision I made this past weekend in celebration of successfully completing my undergraduate degree.
"I have given my heart and soul to this program, and it truly disappointments me that I will not be with my teammates in Florida. This is a deep pain that I am dealing with to the best of my ability. I am 23 years old and despite the successes I've had on and off the field, I made a very uncharacteristic and immature decision. This decision contradicts the expectations that I have set for myself, and the expectations that others have set for me as well. I do sincerely apologize, and I have already started to learn from this experience. I will continue to use this experience as a driving force to become a better man.
"Although, I looked forward to finishing my college football career playing against South Carolina in the Outback Bowl, I fully understand the decision Coach Hoke had to make by suspending me from the Bowl Game. I have called Ann Arbor my home for the last five years, and I can honestly say that everyone here will remain an integral part of my family. I am extremely humbled to be in the position that I am today, and furthermore I know none of this would even be possible without all of your help and support over the years. I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to successfully complete my degree at the University of Michigan. My family and I are also very appreciative for the support we have received from the staff of the university. I especially want to thank Coach Hoke, our entire football staff, my incredible teammates, and the unbelievable fans that support us each and every day.
"Again, I sincerely apologize for my most recent actions. My last name and reputation mean more to me than words will ever be able to express. I promise to always represent our university with pride, class, dignity, respect, and professionalism. It is through my experiences here at the University of Michigan that I am a better person, and more equipped to prepare myself for the obstacles and challenges that lie ahead.
"I wish the best of luck to Coach Hoke and my teammates in the Outback Bowl, and again, I am sincerely sorry."
Hagerup told the Detroit News he fell into "old habits" and that he's sorry. He has written a letter to his teammates expressing his remorse.
Hagerup, who was named the Big Ten's Punter of the Year, said he doesn't know yet about his status for next season. This is his third suspension in three years, after missing the Ohio State game in 2010 and the first four games of last season.
"It's probably the greatest disappointment of my life," Hagerup told the News. "I had made some pretty amazing progress with personal decisions this year, but nobody's perfect. My progress wasn't complete. I let my team down, I let my coaches down, I let my family down.
"I should have stayed clear of anything harmful to me and my teammates. … But I know I'm a good person. I know I'm capable of doing more good than bad.
"There's no bad blood. (Brady Hoke) takes his football hat off, and he cares about the well-being of his players. ... It's important for me to get with my family and friends to figure out what's important and get my life figured out.
"It's heartbreaking for me when your personal issues can be exposed, but we have great expectations at Michigan, and it's great that we have those high expectations. I think I have the talent to be here. I don't think I'm a (jerk). I think I have some old issues. I know I can figure out my life. I don't want to let people down in my life."
