The University of Michigan confirmed today that they have suspended Wolverines sophomore safety Josh Furman, who was arrested on February 11 on one misdemeanor count each of domestic violence, assault and breaking and entering.
“Josh was suspended indefinitely from team activities as soon as we became aware of the report,” Wolverines head coach Brady Hoke said Monday. “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.”
No specifics were released regarding the suspension, and there is no timetable for his return to the team.
Furman’s attorney, Gerry Mason, told the Detroit Free Press that the entire incident is “overblown.”
“It’s kind of a goofy case where everyone involved, they are all friends and know each other,” Furman’s lawyer explained.
According to Mason, police arrested Furman after a woman who thought the safety was about to commit a violent act stopped Furman.
“Mr. Furman got up and (the women) thought he was going to fight with this guy,” Mason said. “They jumped on him to keep him from fighting this guy and even pulled a dreadlock from Mr. Furman’s head. The police show up and arrest poor Mr. Furman and charge him with domestic violence when he did nothing.”
Furman has a trial set for April 23. If found guilty, the 20-year-old could receive 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine for the illegal entry charge and 93 days in jail and/or a $500 fine for both the domestic violence and assault and battery charges, per court records.
ESPN writes that as a redshirt freshman in 2011, Josh Furman appeared in 12 games, totaling 10 tackles and blocking a punt against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Furman also had one punt return for six yards in the 45-17 win over the Cornhuskers.
