Hoke meets media to talk new Mich. talent, expelled kicker

2/5/2014

ANN ARBOR - Michigan football coach Brady Hoke met with the media today to discuss the incoming 2014 freshman class but fielded several questions in regards to the expulsion of former UM kicker Brendan Gibbons.

Hoke did not comment on the case itself or Gibbons, and cited a statement he released on Monday about the case.

In the statement,Hoke cited federal privacy laws for not commenting directly on Gibbons' expulsion and reiterated a statement issued last week by UM president Mary Sue Coleman, which debunked reports of the athletic department's possible influence over an investigation involving a former UM athlete.

Hoke addressed the perception of the program in the wake of its 7-6 2013 season, the hiring of a new offensive coordinator and the Gibbons case.

“I don’t really listen to outside people,” Hoke said. “I think the guys who are in Schembechler Hall, in the offices at meetings, the players, those are the ones you listen to. Everybody’s got an opinion. You’re going to write what you think. It doesn’t matter. My point is, that stuff doesn’t matter.

“If you’re going to worry about that, you’re going to do a poor job of coaching the football team.”

Hoke was also asked if he thought the university was trying to hide something.

“That’s your opinion,” Hoke said.

Citing federal privacy laws, Michigan will not comment publicly on Gibbons’ case or the reported expulsion.