Brady Hoke sees no contradiction in Brandon's statement about Shane Morris concussion

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – On Monday, Michigan football coach Brady Hoke said he didn't see the vicious hit on Shane Morris and didn't see his quarterback swoon. So, he left him in.

Hoke added Morris did not have a concussion. However, Athletic Director Dave Brandon's statement on Tuesday confirmed the concussion and said the botched handling of the injury was the result of "a serious lack of communication" between Hoke, his sideline staff and medical staff.

Still, Hoke sees no contradiction and did not feel blindsided.

"Dave Brandon and I have a great relationship, built on trust, built on integrity, built on character," Hoke said Tuesday.

In fact, when repeatedly questioned about accountability, missteps and solutions, Brandon's story became Hoke's story.

"I know it's in the statement ... in the statement ... in the statement ... I'm telling you it's all in the statement," Hoke repeated throughout the news conference.

While students protest, Michigan's half-million alumni and donors have even louder voices -- #FireHoke has has been tweeted 5,000 times, and #FireBrandon 3,000 times.

"This circus will not end until Hoke and Brandon are gone," reads one tweet.

Meanwhile, others support the coach and AD.

Brandon has promised better sideline communications, but Hoke says he will stay with his habit of not wearing headsets.

"It allows me to coach guys on the sideline. I've got a guy right behind me who is telling me everything I need to know," said Hoke.

So where was that guy when Morris got hit? Hoke did not elaborate.

The university president is bound to get an earful when he meets with the Alumni Association at 5 p.m. Thursday in downtown Detroit. Mayor Mike Duggan will be among the alums in attendance.