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Posted on Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 2:55 p.m.

Michigan safety Josh Furman's suspension due to legal troubles; lawyer says it's a 'misunderstanding'

By Kyle Meinke

Related story: Safety Josh Furman suspended from Michigan football team, spokesman says

Josh Furman was suspended from the Michigan football team after coach Brady Hoke learned the sophomore safety was arrested and faces three charges in Washtenaw County Court.

Furman was arrested Feb. 11 on charges of domestic violence, assault and breaking and entering, court records show. He is set to appear before judge Elizabeth Pollard Hines in 15th District Court on April 23.

“Josh was suspended indefinitely from team activities as soon as we became aware of the report," Hoke said in a statement. "These are serious allegations. We will allow the judicial process to run its course before making a final determination on his status with the program.”

Furman's lawyer says the trial will show the case is "much ado about nothing."

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Attorney Gerry Mason said the incident occurred when Furman, who was with two female cheerleaders at a campus apartment, started receiving "nasty" text messages from a man.

When Furman got up, "one pulled a dreadlock right out of his head, because they thought he was going to somehow go looking for the third-party male, and pick a fight with him," Mason said.

Furman then went back to his apartment voluntarily, but the police had already been called. He was arrested that night.

Mason said the case is a "misunderstanding," and that the two women have asked for the charges against Furman to be dismissed. They prepared a statement to that effect and took it to the police, but were referred to the prosecutor's office, then victim's rights, which never got back to them.

The statement will be read once the trial begins, Mason said.

"Joshua didn't do anything," Mason said. "He's got one guy sending him threatening text messages, and then when he gets upset about the nasty text messages, somebody else pulls his hair out, and then the poor bastard gets arrested.

"My suspicion is (the women) will show up in court and make a record in court and say, 'Hey look, this guy didn't hit us, he didn't punch us, he didn't do anything,' and at that time the judge will have a little trial or entertain a motion to dismiss it.

"We're working through the case and hope the charges disappear, once cooler heads prevail."

Furman played in 12 games last season, mostly on special teams. He recorded 10 tackles and blocked one punt.

No timetable has been given for his return to the team.

Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.

Comments

rightmind250

Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 12:59 a.m.

um has quite the record. They are leading the B10 in convicts over the last 5 years. Last in the B10 in academic APR. I guess we know the character of the typical UM recruit.

Scott Laux

Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 10:26 p.m.

Like a broken record, I'll say it again. Coach Hoke and AD Brandon- you didn't raise him and you aren't responsible. A scholarship worth $25 grand when students are taking out loans, working jobs all to graduate in an uncertain job market, is something to be appreciated. Give the scholarship to someone who will honor it. We are Michigan not OSU, not U of Miami, not USC. Go Blue and all the great young men on scholarship.

ted

Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 7:34 p.m.

This lawyer's version of what happened does not match the charges. Why would he be charged with breaking and entering, domestic battery and assault ? You don't just get arrested because the "police were already called". Someone stood with the police officer and described the series of events and based on that the police write up the complaint.

Psudolus

Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 4:01 p.m.

and why the hell would you hire an out of county lawyer? A guy from Port Huron, really? Gerrow D. Mason—P59065 (active and in good standing) Gerry Mason & Associates PLLC 511 Fort St Rm 100 Port Huron, MI 48060

Psudolus

Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 3:55 p.m.

So who ripped out his dred? The cheerleaders, the texter, Josh himself...Greg Mason, didn't your Crim Law Prof tell you that a "no-comment" is a better answer that whatever the hell you decided to come up with there? Josh, you should of hired Joe Simon.

observer

Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 1:48 p.m.

All he had to do was walk away..........Hail to the Victors.......

UofMbeBetter

Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 8:46 a.m.

In the words of Judge Judy ........ "If it doesn't make sence, it probably isnt true", And that story maked no sence at all. So if this is a big misunderstanding, Who called the police?

A2comments

Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 10:56 a.m.

Judge Judy would say "sense"...

Wally the Wolverine

Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 1:26 a.m.

Like it or not, Mason is a Michigan Man. I guess we just have to embrace it.

burton163

Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 1:23 a.m.

Josh, hangin' with not one, but TWO cheerleaders...stud! But seriously, pick your friends carefully. They can make or break your college experience, not mention your status on the next B1G championship team...

Terry Star21

Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 12:52 a.m.

I'm sure more to come on this story. If he played @ ohio, he would remain on the team and get six months probation, work assignment to the pawn and tattoo shop.

michboy40

Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 12:13 a.m.

We are not getting the full story. Guys don't get arrested for getting mad at a text. He had to have done some damage to the house, or the two girls, on the way out the door. Are we supposed to be that dumb?...

Dave

Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 6:12 a.m.

Yeah, I agree. The charges are serious so I would like to hear more facts.

michboy40

Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 12:09 a.m.

The attorney for Furman calls him a "poor bastard"? Really? really. Um, you need a new attorney.

RWBill

Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 10:09 p.m.

Why am I seeing a huge advertisement for the University of Alabama on this page?

heartbreakM

Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 8:45 p.m.

the poor bastard??? I would expect better language from a lawyer. I hope that all of the claims by the lawyer are true, because you hate seeing these players not in control

Polecat

Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 1:36 p.m.

You really think that highly of lawyers? That is your mistake.

bigblue

Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 8:39 p.m.

"and then the poor bastard gets arrested"......................... That was classic! Free Josh Furman........ LOL.......

ArthGuinness

Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 4:55 p.m.

That was amusing to me as well. Why is he insulting Furman's parents?

Machine

Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 8:08 p.m.

The attorney's name is Gerry Mason? What would Raymond Burr think?

MRunner73

Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 7:57 p.m.

I hope this is true at face value. Hate to see another Michigan football player having to hire an attorney. Let's hope this ends well for Josh Furman.

Marshall Applewhite

Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 10:09 p.m.

I'd imagine this guy is a freebie from Student Legal Services.

15crown00

Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 7:25 p.m.

Poor Josh.sounds like he made his own trouble.now he pays for it. A misunderstanding huh lawyer?isn't that what you're suppose to deal with? I smell some kind of plea coming here and that shouldn't bother anybody because it happens all the time.