Michigan staffer Robinson arrested for OWI

Michigan staff member Denard Robinson, a former star quarterback for the Wolverines, was arrested early Monday for operating while intoxicated after a single-vehicle crash in Ann Arbor.

An Ann Arbor police spokesman confirmed the arrest of Robinson, 33, who serves as Michigan’s assistant director of player personnel, at approximately 3:05 a.m. Monday. The crash occurred about 1.5 miles south of Michigan’s football headquarters at Schembechler Hall. Charges against Robinson are pending toxicology reports.

Former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh hired Robinson in February 2022, after Robinson had worked as a scouting assistant and in quality control for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Robinson was a fifth-round pick of the Jaguars in 2013 and played four seasons for the team. New Wolverines coach Sherrone Moore had retained Robinson in the personnel department.

He started 37 games for Michigan under coaches Rich Rodriguez and Brady Hoke, and set NCAA records for career rushing yards by a quarterback (4,495) and single-season rushing yards by a quarterback (1,702 in 2010). He earned first-team All-America honors in 2010 and the Chicago Tribune’s Silver Football as Big Ten MVP. The Florida native set Michigan career records for total offense (10,769 yards) and touchdowns scored (91).

Michigan did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Robinson’s arrest.

Robinson is the second Michigan football staff member arrested for driving while intoxicated in the past six weeks. Defensive line coach Greg Scruggs was arrested March 16 and resigned five days later.