Michigan releases statement on 'unfortunate situation' after staffer Chris Bryant caught directing expletives at fans

After a Michigan staffer flung expletives at a Washington fan in the stands on Saturday night during a game between the two programs, Michigan has released a statement addressing the situation.

Cameras caught Michigan director of high school relations Chris Bryant telling a Washington fan, “You better chill the f*** out before you get f***** up.”

Michigan released the following statement on Tuesday evening.

“We became aware of an interaction between Washington fans who were harassing our players by using over the top and offensive language,” the statement read, via Angelique Chengelis of The Detroit News.

“It was an unfortunate situation and should not have happened. Our staff member should have asked the stadium staff to handle the matter rather than act in the emotional manner with which he did at that time. This is disappointing and we will handle the matter internally as a program.”

It’s unclear what led to the confrontation or if there was more before the filming started that led to the exchange. In any case, it’s not the best look for someone operating in an official capacity for Michigan.

Bryant has been on staff at Michigan since 2015, when he joined Jim Harbaugh‘s staff as an intern. He worked his way up the ladder and was named the program’s director of high school relations in 2017.

He retained that role when Sherrone Moore took over the program following Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL this offseason.

Michigan makes starting quarterback decision

Jack Tuttle will make the start at quarterback for Michigan against Illinois on Saturday, head coach Sherrone Moore announced on Monday.

Tuttle is in his sixth season of college football and was 10-of-18 passing for 98 yards, with a touchdown and an interception during last weekend’s loss to Washington. He beats out Alex Orji for the starting spot in Week 7.

“I think right now he gives us the best chance to win,” Moore said. “We’ll continue to process that as an offense, as a team, but that looks like the direction we’re heading.”

Michigan is set to return to action on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.