Michigan announces decision on Zavier Simpson for Rutgers game

Michigan Wolverines senior point guard and captain Zavier Simpson has been reinstated and will play Saturday in New York against Rutgers after serving a one-game suspension earlier this week for a violation of team rules. The athletic department released statements from both head coach Juwan Howard and Simpson.

“After speaking with Warde (Manuel) before today’s practice and after my media availability, we agreed to lift Zavier’s suspension,” Howard said via the university release. “I am looking forward to moving on from this. Anything further will continue to be handled within.”

“This past weekend, I made some disappointing decisions which violated our team rules. I accept full responsibility and having to sit out the Nebraska game was part of that. I deserved it and fully supported coach Howard’s decision. Not being with my teammates made it a long night, however, it gave me the time to reflect. I know I let my coaches, teammates, and fans down as well as athletic department and community members. More importantly, I let myself and family down. They say you learn something new, or from something, every day and this is one of those times.I have apologized to my team and now apologize to everyone who continues to support me as well as our program. I am grateful for the opportunity to get back on the court Saturday and to represent this great university. Go Blue!”

No reason has been given as of this posting as to what the team rule he broke was. Howard had spoken earlier in the day with the media and said that he had not made a decision yet and it appears that was due to a meeting with athletic director Warde Manuel and Simpson.

Saturday’s game at Madison Square Garden in New York tips off at 4:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast via Big Ten Network.