Michigan football legend Denard ‘Shoelace’ Robinson arrested for OWI in Ann Arbor

Robinson has been suspended indefinitely

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 24: Quarterback Denard Robinson #16 of the Michigan Wolverines runs with the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 24, 2012 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) (Jamie Sabau, 2012 Getty Images)

ANN ARBOR, Mich.Michigan Wolverines football legend Denard “Shoelace” Robinson, 33, has been arrested for his involvement in a single-vehicle crash in Ann Arbor.

The incident, a sobering reminder of the potential dangers of reckless driving, occurred on Monday (April 15) at 3:05 a.m. at East Eisenhower Parkway and South State Street.

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Officials say charges are pending toxicology results.

“We are aware of an incident involving Denard Robinson and have suspended him indefinitely. We will continue to monitor the situation and will have no further comment at this time.”

Michigan Wolverines football head coach Sherrone Moore

The incident is now the second time a member of the Wolverines coaching staff was involved with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, as newly hired defensive line coach Greg Scruggs had a blood alcohol level doubled the legal limit back in March, causing him to resign from the position.

COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 18: The Michigan Wolverines celebrate the 1000th win in program history after a 31-24 victory against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium on November 18, 2023 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) (2023 Getty Images)

Robinson is the current assistant director of player personnel for the Wolverines coaching staff. He was hired by former head coach and quarterback Jim Harbaugh in 2019.

The signing was a homecoming for the four-year varsity letterman who appeared in 49 games for the men in maize during his playing career.

Denard Robinson and Taylor Lewan celebrate Michigan's game-winning touchdown to beat Notre Dame in the first night game at Michigan Stadium. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Robinson, the prodigal son of the program, garnered the name Shoelace because he played the toughest sport in North America with his shoes untied as the signal caller at Michigan from 2009-2012.

Of the 49 games, the 33-year-old made 37 starts, with 35 coming at the quarterback position and two at running back, which he went on to play at on the next level in the National Football League.

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As a coach, the 2023 College Football National Champion holds the NCAA record for career rushing yards by a quarterback, 4,495 yards, surpassing Pat White from West Virginia.

He also holds the NCAA season record for rushing yards by a quarterback with 1,702, high-stepping past Beau Morgan’s 1,494 during his time at Air Force.


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Brandon Carr is a digital content producer for ClickOnDetroit and has been with WDIV Local 4 since November 2021. Brandon is the 2015 Solomon Kinloch Humanitarian award recipient for Community Service.

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