A season that began with such promise has turned into a disaster for Michigan senior quarterback Devin Gardner, who talked about some of the racist hate he’s gotten from fans.
Devin Gardner entered the 2014 season on the watch list for national honors such as the Maxwell, Davey O’Brien and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm awards, but Gardner has endured being benched for poor play and is fighting through an ankle injury as the Michigan Wolverines—just 3-4 and 1-2 in the Big Ten—head to East Lansing to take on No. 8 Michigan State on Saturday.
Gardner sprained his ankle against Penn State on Oct. 11, but demanded to go back in the game after sitting out two series.
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He led the Wolverines to an 18-13 win that snapped a three-game losing streak and quieted some of the firestorm of criticism around the program and embattled coach Brady Hoke.
Last season was his first as a full-time starter and as the Wolverines struggled through a 7-6 season that included a 23-point loss to Michigan State and a 21-point loss to Ohio State as well as a 31-14 loss to Kansas State in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, Gardner was subject to some racist rants on social media.
According to the Detroit News, Gardner said he’s received at least 1,000 negative comments via Twitter and Instagram.
"“I’ve been called the N-word so many times this year,” Gardner said. “One guy told me I was the N-word and said I know N-words can’t play quarterback. And I was like, are we not past this? Say what you want about my skill, but come on.”"
Gardner has completed 63.2 percent of his passes this season for 1,103 yards and six touchdowns with eight interceptions. He also has three rushing touchdowns and 149 yards on the ground.
Last season he completed 60.3 percent of his throws for 2,960 yards and 21 touchdowns with 11 picks. He rushed for 483 yards and 11 scores.
Gardner’s right. If you have a problem with the way he’s played, then have a problem with that. But in 2014, it seems almost surreal that there are still people out there clinging to stereotypes that should have been disproved and died off decades ago.
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