Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner has endured a lot this year, from a losing season to injury to even a benching.
But the fifth-year senior revealed, as part of a lengthy feature at detroitnews.com, that racism underscored his trials, as well.
"I've been called the N-word so many times this year," Gardner said, referring to social media feedback on Twitter and Instagram. "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."
Michigan (3-4) is well on its way to a miserable season, given that rivals Michigan State and Ohio State appear primed to hand the Wolverines their fifth and sixth losses of the year, at a minimum. Coach Brady Hoke is under fire as well and is widely expected to be let go after the season. Gardner estimated that he has received more than 1,000 negative messages on Twitter and Instagram, but didn't indicate that all were racially-charged.
When proud programs such as Michigan have seasons like this one, it can bring out the worst in a fan base. Gardner, however, indicated he has a newfound maturity in handling all the adversity that has come with the end of his college career. He is coming off an ankle injury and will try to pull off a major upset to even the Wolverines at 4-4 this week against rival Michigan State. He played one of his better games of the season in an 18-13 win over Penn State Oct. 11, completing 16 of 24 passes for 192 yards.
As for his NFL future, Gardner (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) indicated he would be open to a position change at the next level.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.
