UNDER THE DOME
25 Years Ago: Aug. 9, 1989
Media day becomes dubbed "Black Wednesday" by those in attendance.
Head coach Lou Holtz reveals that defending national champion Notre Dame will be without three of its
top returning players from its title-winning team: All-American senior linebacker Michael Stonebreaker,
junior tailback and second-leading rusher Tony Brooks and junior defensive tackle George "Boo" Wil-
liams. A fourth regular, senior fullback Braxston Banks, also sees his football playing days end because
of chronic knee problems.
Notre Dame's Office of Student Affairs suspends Stonebreaker and Brooks for disciplinary reasons,
dating back to February with vehicular accidents that involved breaking the law in separate incidents.
Williams was declared academically ineligible.
Brooks' suspension came out of the blue during the day, surprising even freshman tailback Reggie
Anniversaries In Notre Dame Athletics History:
August
In August 1989, Notre Dame announced that three of its top returning players — including All-
American senior linebacker Michael Stonebreaker (above) — would not be with the program that
season.
PHOTO COURTESY NOTRE DAME MEDIA RELATIONS
