Getty Images Denard Robinson, former QB for the Michigan Wolverines
Is there a path back to Michigan for Denard Robinson? This will be Sherrone Moore’s first real test as the new head coach of the Michigan Wolverines after he indefinitely suspended Robinson in the wake of an arrest in Ann Arbor.
Early on April 15, 2024, Robinson, the beloved former Michigan quarterback and current Michigan Wolverines assistant director of player personnel, was arrested on suspected operating while intoxicated, according to The Detroit News. “Robinson, 33, was involved in a single-vehicle crash,” the outlet reported, citing the Ann Arbor Police Department. There were no reported injuries.
Official charges were pending toxicology results, according to The Detroit News.
A Test of Leadership for Sherrone Moore
As quarterback, Denard “Shoelace” Robinson helped resurrect a moribund Michigan Wolverines football team — and nearly saved coach Rich Rodriguez‘s career. That will likely not be enough to retain him in his current position.
On March 15, Michigan defensive line coach Greg Scruggs was also arrested on a charge of operating while intoxicated, the Associated Press reported, citing Ann Arbor police.
Moore initially said Scruggs made an “unfortunate mistake” but then suspended him indefinitely. Less than a week later, Scruggs resigned, and Moore replaced him with Lou Esposito.
How will Moore respond to the news that Robinson, so much loved by Michigan fans, is now in a similar position?
Robinson’s name recognition and fan appeal are not the only differences in this case. Unlike with Scruggs, Moore did not have a prior personal relationship with Robinson. Robinson was brought on board directly by former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh in February 2022. Moore retained Robinson during his recent coaching shake-up.
In addition, Robinson is not — and was not — a coach, but assistant director of player personnel, regularly interacting with players, parents and the community. That may make it even more difficult for Moore to retain Robinson even if he wants to.
A Path Back for Denard Robinson?
Can Robinson return — in a paid, professional role — to the University of Michigan?
Robinson — in the pre-NIL era — graced the cover of EA Sports’ NCAA Football 2014. His electrifying play was a regular highlight reel — so much so that when President Barack Obama visited the University of Michigan in 2012, he made a personal shoutout to Robinson.
Robinson still holds the NCAA record for most rushing yards by a quarterback, with 4,459 yards. After graduating, Robinson was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2013 and spent four seasons there as a running back. He later spent two years with the Jaguars front office, mostly as a college scout.
In July 2016, during the off-season, Robinson was assisted by police after driving his car into a residential pond, according to police records reviewed by The Florida Times-Union. Robinson and his passenger were both found asleep in the car, according to the Times-Union.
A police officer determined Robinson was not impaired at the time, according to the outlet, though the Times-Union reported that police records “did not indicate how he came to that conclusion or what tests if any were done,” adding that “no citations were issued.”
Fans are forgiving, especially for their team’s legends. And Robinson is a Michigan legend. And no doubt, there is immense pressure on the staff of a team that just won the national championship — with fans already demanding a repeat.
But Robinson’s role, so close to the players and parents, is a highly visible one. And unlike most stadiums, Michigan Stadium still does not sell or allow alcohol in the stadium.
Is there a path back from suspension for Robinson? Would staying in Michigan be in his best interest, long term, or the team’s? As of April 16, 2024, he remained on the Michigan Athletics staff directory. If the experience with Scruggs is any indicator, Robinson may not be there much longer.