Michigan leading rusher suspended for opener vs Alabama

For the Michigan Wolverines, tailback Fitz Toussaint will be a major player this season. He’ll be one of the top rushers in the Big Ten, but he won’t be playing in week one. Here’s what Michigan coach Brady Hoke had to say in a statement:

“Fitzgerald Toussaint and Frank Clark have been suspended for one game and will not make the trip to Dallas for Saturday’s game.

“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.  We have choices every day, and you have to be accountable to this program, your teammates, your family and the University of Michigan.

“These are our sons.  These are real lives, and I think too often many people forget that.  It’s not always just about football, or a football decision.  It’s about teaching life lessons, and if this helps these kids or someone else make a right decision later, then we’ve won.  That is ultimately what we are here for, to help them grow and mature to become better sons, fathers, husbands and members of society.

“They are good young men who made poor choices, and we will continue to support them as members of our team and family.”