Michigan suspends 3 players for Outback Bowl

Three Michigan football players will not play in the Outback Bowl due to a violation of team rules.

Senior cornerback J.T. Floyd, junior punter Will Hagerup and senior linebacker Brandin Hawthorne are out for the game, according to an athletic department release.

"It is an honor to play football for the University of Michigan, and we have high standards and expectations for everyone that represents our program," Michigan coach Brady Hoke said in the release. "These young men used poor judgment in each circumstance, and these suspensions are teaching moments for our team." For Floyd and Hawthorne, it ends their careers.

Hagerup has faced previous issues, including a suspension two years ago for the Ohio State game, then the first four games of 2011. Hagerup rebounded this year to be named the Big Ten's best punter and told reporters in Indianapolis after the season that he had learned from his mistakes. Sophomore Matt Wile is likely to take his place for the Outback Bowl as the punter.

For Floyd, missing the final game of his career, against his home state South Carolina squad is a devastating blow. He was U-M's starting cornerback, a spot that will likely be assumed by Courtney Avery.

Michigan moved Dennis Norfleet to cornerback two weeks ago so that may help with the depth issues.

The suspensions come after South Carolina suspended two playersfor the Outback Bowl as well.

Mark Snyder writes for the Detroit Free Press.