UM suspends Toussaint, Clark for season opener

8/31/2012

ANN ARBOR -- Michigan football players Fitzgerald Toussaint and Frank Clark have been suspended and will not play Saturday when the Wolverines open the season against Alabama in Arlington, Texas.

In a statement released Friday by the Michigan athletic department, Wolverines coach Brady Hoke said Toussaint, a running back, and Clark, a defensive end, have each been suspended for one game and will not travel to Texas.

"The decision was not easy, but I feel it is in the best interest of this program and for these kids, and those always will be my priorities," Hoke said. "We have choices every day, and you have to be accountable to this program, your teammates, your family and the University of Michigan."

The suspensions stem from legal issues each player faces. Toussaint was arrested July 21 for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and pleaded guilty earlier this week to a misdemeanor charge of operating a vehicle while visibly impaired. He has a sentencing hearing set for Oct. 23. Clark is scheduled to appear in court Sept. 11 on a second-degree home invasion charge.