Judge permits former Michigan receiver Darryl Stonum to continue in sobriety court program
Judge Charles Pope welcomed former Michigan receiver Darryl Stonum back into the 15th District Court's sobriety court program today, three days after the university announced that Stonum was dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules.
Stonum, 21, was kicked off the team after serving time in the Washtenaw County Jail for violating probation on a conviction of operating while visibly impaired second-offense.
Stonum
He also was arraigned in court this morning on a charge of driving on a revoked license, which resulted in his probation violation. Pope said it looked like Stonum had met with his probation officer, Steve Hill, outlined steps to get back on track and his "head's in the right place."
"We're ready to continue on with you," Pope said. "We want to support you in every way we possibly can...We welcome you back and we want you to get back on track with us."
Stonum has indicated that he'll transfer after getting his degree from Michigan. Asked after today's court hearing about any plans he has to play football, he said, "I don't know what I'm doing right now. I'm just going day by day."
He said that after being released from jail Saturday he didn't know whether he'd get a shot to continue playing for Michigan.
Stonum is scheduled to return to court Feb. 3.
Lee Higgins is a reporter for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at (734) 623-2527 and email at leehiggins@annarbor.com.
Comments
tinkerbell
Sat, Jan 21, 2012 : 5:06 p.m.
Probation should mean something. You violate, there are consequences
actionjackson
Sat, Jan 21, 2012 : 1:53 p.m.
He probably has been treated differently than the average person with two DUI's and a probation violation. Fact is he is not a regular guy. He's a conditioned athlete that has a big name in UofM football. He will most likely be treated differently all of his life once he gets this alcohol problem resolved. Average always is treated as average and special skilled people are treated as such.
ekimecir
Sat, Jan 21, 2012 : 1:15 p.m.
I wonder if this young man would have been treated any differently had he not been a former U of M football player?
Gordon
Sat, Jan 21, 2012 : 6:42 a.m.
You know the judge could have beat him up? Taken the road that he was / is a dispointment? Instead he took a positive point of view and basically instructed Darryl to man up. It's always been up to Darryl. I know an individual who daily drinks & frequently indulges in drugs because he has convinced himself it's the only way to have fun. It's not. Darryl has to to do what we all do at some point - know are selves and become what we can be. So best of luck Darryl. Transfer does make sense and U of M will not forget you as a contributor to a great turn around season.
RJA
Fri, Jan 20, 2012 : 10:21 p.m.
Charles Pope is giving Stonum another chance. Now turning his life around is up to him. Good Luck Stonum, you CAN do this!
bunnyabbot
Fri, Jan 20, 2012 : 6:51 p.m.
gotta love the DUI ad placement that was on the top of the page.
friend12
Fri, Jan 20, 2012 : 4:15 p.m.
I hope he really does have his head in the right place. He has gotten more chance than most. Get that degree and put it to good use. Unless he is extremely lucky his football career went away with the last arrest. I truly wish him the best.
MRunner73
Fri, Jan 20, 2012 : 3:39 p.m.
This is a good decision by the Court to welcome Darryl into a sobriety program. It is yet another chance for him to turn his life around. The intoxicated issue goes well beyond football and the sooner he can recover from this, the better off he will be. Good luck Darryl, many of us really do care and lend you support.
15crown00
Fri, Jan 20, 2012 : 3:35 p.m.
They gave up on him.
A2Medic
Fri, Jan 20, 2012 : 6:31 p.m.
He gave up on himself..