The University of Michigan turned to Edelman in the wake of the fallout following the resignation of its athletic director and firing of football coach after a quarterback re-entered a game following his concussion.
The No. 1 independent firm, which handled scandals at Penn State (Joe Paterno/Jerry Sandusky) and University of North Carolina (academics), was brought in to provide U-M an "outside perspective," spokesperson Rick Fitzgerald told the Detroit Free Press.
In the Sept. 27 game against Minnesota, Shane Morris was allowed to remain on the field and later returned to the huddle despite the head injury.
At a press conference two days after the game, coach Brady Hoke denied knowing about his player's concussion. AD Dave Brandon issued a statement later to say he knew about the injury but that Hoke only found out about it after the presser.
The concussion was diagnosed the day before the news conference.
Sports commentators throughout the country called for the two men to resign, bringing national embarrassment to U-M, according to the Free Press.
Students conducted "Fire Brandon" rallies on campus, including the home of U-M president Mark Schlissel.
Brandon, former CEO of Dominos Pizza, resigned Oct. 31. Hoke was fired as head coach of the Wolverines on Dec. 2. He had two-years left on his five-year contract.
On Dec. 8, The Big Ten conference issued tougher rules regarding concussions, calling for a neutral athletic trainer to be present in the replay booth to monitor the game.
"The concussion protocols will move from best practices and minimum requirements for schools to regulatory standards by the conference," said a statement from the league.
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