BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — An email obtained Tuesday details what led Ferris State University officials to suspend head coach Tony Annese in early November.
The email, sent by FSU Athletic Director Perk Weisenburger, says that Annese struck two players several times and “vehemently shook” another in a locker room during halftime of the Oct. 26 away game at Michigan Tech.
“You did not express remorse for these actions but rather tried to justify them,” Weisenburger writes in an email to Annese announcing his eight-day suspension.
Annese was suspended with pay from Nov. 7 to Nov. 14, and did not coach the team’s Nov. 9 game against Northwood University.
Officials were tight-lipped about the coach’s suspension, and several players stuck by Annese.
“I think it was just simply a motivational factor that got us to play better the second half. That’s about it really,” said FSU Defensive Lineman Justin Zimmer.
According to the email, any other incidents similar to this one will result in Annese being fired as head football coach.
