Swimmers suspended for rules infraction

By Ryan C. Moloney and Dan Williams

Daily Sports Editors

Two members of the Michigan men's swimming team were indefinitely suspended Monday, April 17 for a violation of team rules.

Sophomore Chuck Kennedy and freshman Justin Drake were indefinitely dismissed by coach Jon Urbanchek for their behavior in relation to an unnamed recruit earlier in the year, an anonymous source close to the team said.

While the two swimmers did not host the recruit during his official visit to Michigan, they allegedly accompanied the recruit while he consumed alcohol in Ann Arbor, according to the anonymous source. Urbanchek confirmed the suspensions of Kennedy and Drake, but he denied alcohol consumption by a recruit led to the dismissals.

"Basically, it was just a violation of restrictions on team policy and behavior," Urbanchek said. "It was nothing out of the ordinary. They are nice kids who made bad choices. They can get back on the team if they can clean up their acts."

Kennedy was unavailable for comment, and Drake refused to comment.

Team captain Scott Warner said a lack of communication between team and Urbanchek made the incident more problematic for the team.

"The problem is already solved," Warner said. "It's not a big deal.

"(Urbanchek) likes these guys. The issue was the team trying to hide something from him. When he found out about it, he kicked the two guys off the team."

There is no set time limit to the dismissal, but the players cannot be involved with any organized team activities for the duration of their suspension.

"They have to go home and swim for their summer club teams," freshman Heath Novak said.

Assistant coach Eric Namesnick said the two swimmers will have the opportunity to return to the team by next season.

"The guys will be able to earn their spots on the team in the fall," Namesnick said. "They still have options. They certainly didn't sever all ties."

While the suspensions may not be permanent, the team is mainly concerned with any embarrassment stemming from the incident.

"Among the team, it's not something to worry about," the anonymous source said. "We've just lost a lot of pride, and we feel we've disrespected the coach."