ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Thousands have signed a petition to relieve University of Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon from his position.
As of noon Monday, 4,449 people had signed the petition which was organized by Zeid El-Kilani, a student at the university.
View: A Petition to Relieve Mr. David Brandon from his Duties as Athletic Director
A summary of the petition reads, in part: "Unfortunately, under Mr. Brandon's tenure, the football program, one of the most prominent programs at the University of Michigan and in the nation, has become a black eye for the University of Michigan."
Brandon is under criticism for his part in how the university and its football team has handled quarterback Shane Morris' concussion. About 12 hours after coach Brady Hoke said he'd been given no indication that Morris had been diagnosed with a concussion, Brandon revealed in a post-midnight statement Tuesday morning that the sophomore did appear to have sustained one during Saturday's game against Minnesota.
More: Michigan athletic director apologizes over handling of quarterback's concussion
Hoke said during a news conference Monday afternoon that he did not know Morris suffered a head injury during the game. Hoke said he was only aware of the quarterback's ankle injury.
"I would never put a kid in that situation," Hoke said about playing a kid with a head injury. "Never have, never will."
He said he had talked to Morris on Sunday and earlier on Monday.
"I think Shane should have been pulled," UM Sophomore Mason Kinter said. "The more we learn about concussions… it's serious."
Since Saturday's game, anger has grown and some believe it was time to do something about it. Graduate student Zeid El-Kilani decided to post a "Fire Brandon" petition online.
"We weren't trying to be fire breathers," El-Kilani said. "The response has been overwhelmingly positive."
At last check, more than 6,000 people had signed it.
"I saw the petition online," Kinter said. "I think students want change."
A "Fire Brandon" protest was held on the Diag on Tuesday evening. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people showed up.
For El-Kilani, it's more than just a football issue; it's about the Michigan brand being tarnished.
"I think the community has lost respect for Dave Brandon and for his intentions," he said.