University of Miami defensive tackle Luther Robinson said Saturday he’s apologized to coach Al Golden and his teammates for comments made by his father last week on a sports talk radio show.
Robinson’s father, Luther Robinson Sr., called WQAM (560AM) shortly after Golden’s regular Monday morning segment and told host Joe Rose that “Golden comes on the air with a bunch of crap every Monday.”
Robinson Sr. went on to call Golden a “liar” and said the coach was playing favorites with players he recruited over those brought into the program by former coach Randy Shannon. The younger Robinson, a junior from Westwood High School, was signed by Shannon.
“First, I want to start off by apologizing for what he said,” Robinson told reporters following Saturday morning’s practice. “He was looking out for me, not really looking out for the team. I just told him that he was wrong for doing it and that we need to cut that out.”
Robinson said his father also called Golden and apologized.
Robinson said his father doesn’t really believe the things he said about Golden. “I just think he got caught up listening to the media,” Robinson said.
Asked about Robinson’s apology, Golden said: “The guys know what type of coach I am, what type of person I am. Everybody gets a fair shot in practice. Everybody earns their reps for games in practice. … In Luther’s case, he’s averaged 33 snaps in the six games he’s played. … I think that’s fair.”
Robinson has been elevated to the first-team defense this season but has yet to start a game. He was suspended for the Kansas State game after getting into an argument with an assistant coach. Robinson has nine tackles in the seven games he’s played and is currently listed as a co-backup to starter Olsen Pierre.
Clements out for season: Golden said Eduardo Clements, the Hurricanes' third-down back, will miss the rest of the regular season with an undisclosed injury sustained against Florida State. Clements appeared to be favoring his right leg on Saturday. "It's sad," Golden said. "He's going to miss the rest of the season … I feel really badly for Eduardo. He's a heart-and-soul kid. We'll miss his toughness and his leadership."
Cain comeback? Golden said there's a possibility that junior defensive end Kelvin Cain could return to the team. Cain left the Hurricanes before their game last week against Florida State. Golden said he's spoken to Cain and his mother several times. "Sure there's a chance," Golden said. "But let's make sure we're clear. He stepped away … left the team for personal reasons, and we're trying to work through it right now."
Discipline: Sophomore linebacker Gionni Paul was suspended for the FSU game, Golden confirmed. Paul has started games this season at outside and middle linebacker but is listed third on the team's depth chart behind starting middle linebacker Jimmy Gaines and back-up Raphael Kirby.
Roster move: The only change among the starters on a depth chart released Saturday is at defensive tackle where freshman Earl Moore has leap-frogged senior Darius Smith. Moore started against North Carolina before giving way in the lineup to Smith against Florida State. Smith is now listed as a co-backup with freshman Dequan Ivery.
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