UM police closes case on ex-player’s threatening tweets

The University of Michigan police department no longer is investigating former Michigan linebacker Elysee Mbem-Bosse, who posted menacing messages on Twitter, including threatening Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh.

“The case is closed,” deputy police chief Melissa Overton confirmed Wednesday.

Harbaugh told The News last month he was concerned about the matter and it was a situation not to be taken lightly.

“It’s a serious matter,” Harbaugh said at the time. “I’m confident our administration and university officials will take the proper steps and are taking the proper steps.”

Harbaugh would not say if he felt threatened by the tweets.

Mbem-Bosse has contended he was kicked off the football team last November while he dealt with a family issue but was never offered an explanation. Harbaugh has a different take.

“He left the team in November,” Harbaugh said.

Mbem-Bosse did issue an apology on Twitter in late April.

“I take full responsibility for the tweets i (sic) made regarding the safety of Coach Harbaugh which I apologize fully for but being harassed by the university police and being told I’m mentally ill without proper evaluation is against my civil rights,” he wrote. “AT the end of the day i want to play football!”

A day before posting the apology, Mbem-Bosse tweeted, “If I really threaten someone than take me to jail don’t give me fake sympathy I don’t need it nor want it.”

And also, “All lies fabricated lies.”

In his lengthy apology, he said this situation has been hard on him “mentally, physically and emotionally.” He said he was kicked off the team without explanation.

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel had said last month that Mbem-Bosse still was enrolled at Michigan. He expressed concern for Mbem-Bosse’s well-being.

achengelis@detroitnews.com

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