© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Ex-Staffer: Michigan State, Dantonio Was Warned About Recruit

Mark Dantonio
Courtesy photo
/
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

A former football recruiter who is suing Michigan State says he urged coach Mark Dantonio to reject a player who subsequently was convicted of sexual assault.

The former recruiter, Curtis Blackwell, said Dantonio chose Auston Robertson in 2016 over the objections of staff. He said it was widely known Robertson had a criminal history in Indiana and would be a controversial choice. Blackwell said he and others warned that Robertson would be a "horrible fit for a college campus."

The remarks were made during a deposition, which is part of a lawsuit against Dantonio and other officials. Blackwell's contract wasn't renewed in 2017.

His lawsuit claims he was illegally suspended and released in the fallout over assault charges against three other players. Dantonio this week declined to comment about Blackwell's lawsuit.

Robertson is eligible for parole in 2021.

Related Content
Support Local Journalism in Mid-Michigan

Help WKAR reach 200 donations by June 20 to fund more of the fact-based reporting mid-Michigan relies on. When we hit the goal, MSU Federal Credit Union will unlock a $10,000 gift in support of your public media station.

Be one of the 200. Give now.