NOVI - With balloons, hot dogs and pictures of Steve Fisher in hand, more than 1,000 University alumni, celebrities and supporters crammed into the Novi Doubletree Hotel last Thursday to proclaim themselves loyal fans of the Michigan basketball coach.
In fact, the intense support for Fisher at the "We Believe In Steve" rally almost made it possible to forget that the men's basketball program is currently under investigation for alleged NCAA violations.
Following numerous allegations of impropriety and the University's announcement that the basketball program had committed two NCAA violations, the University hired an outside firm to investigate the validity of the claims. The University is currently awaiting the firm's report.
Although several former players expressed their devotion to Fisher without mentioning the word 'allegations,' the coach's plight undoubtedly occupied the thoughts of the crowd.
"I think it's a great group of people getting together to support the coach who has taken some hits the last few months," Michigan basketball analyst Jim Brandstatter said. "I think it's been extremely tough on him. It has had an effect on his family, and he's a dedicated father."
"(Fisher) has shown great class in the face of adversity," Brandstatter said. "He's handled it all extremely well, though it has bothered him."
Brandstatter joined emcee Mort Crim, a former WDIV news anchor, former players Ray Jackson and Garde Thompson and event organizer Mike Duggan in leading a spirited pep rally on the Doubletree's main stage.
Duggan, the Wayne County deputy executive, decided in March that Fisher could use a pick-me-up after the onslaught of the allegations and a relatively disappointing season.
Fisher quietly watched the parade of speakers who sang his praises, and the several video tributes that highlighted his career at the University.
But when Fisher himself mounted the stage, his cheeks became even rosier than usual. He thanked the crowd for their support and even seemed on the verge of tears during his remarks.
"I don't relish in these things," Fisher said. "Life is not always fair. It is not always easy. But life is life, and you have to live it."
Jackson, a Fab Five member, was the surprise guest of the evening, having flown in from Texas to express his gratitude to his college coach.
"He's a father figure to me - a father-figure away from home," Jackson said. "My parents trusted him to take care of me, and he did a great job of looking out for me, making me the man I am today. I just hate to see this happen to a good man like him."
But perhaps the most moving point in the ceremonies revolved around several non-sports celebrities. Representatives from Mott Children's Hospital presented Fisher with a collage to display their appreciation for the support Fisher has shown the organization.
Travar Pettway, a patient at Mott, thanked Fisher for the opportunity to meet Michigan basketball players and attend games, making him "feel like a star."
"When I tell my friends that I got to meet (Michigan center Robert) Tractor Traylor, or tell (Indiana coach) Bobby Knight, 'Go Blue' to his face, they look at me in marvel," Pettway said.
While receiving support from others, Fisher also gave back to his favorite charities. Mott Children's Hospital and the Special Olympics both benefited from a silent auction held throughout the evening.
Items up for bid included a Washington Bullets jersey signed by former Fab-Fiver Juwan Howard, a pair of shoes signed by former Michigan star Glen Rice, as well as a Darth Vader mask signed by James Earl Jones.
In all, the auction helped raise more than $4,000 for the two charities.
Before the evening's ceremonies, Michigan coaches and athletes mingled with the crowd of fans and friends of Fisher, while adults and children alike procured autographs to add to their collection of sports memorabilia.
"I've signed 1,000 autographs today," Fisher said. "I'm a little bit surprised and a little bit embarrassed by the turnout."
Louis Bullock, Ron Oliver and Travis Conlan represented the current Michigan squad at the rally. Bullock and Oliver declined to comment on the event, but Conlan was more vocal about the effect the recent controversy has had on the team.
"Our team morale wasn't hurt," Conlan said. "I think we've grown close with all the troubles. We're a family. When you have troubles in a family you grow closer. You can see that by all the support (Fisher) has out here today."
Angie Fisher, Steve's wife, said she was moved by the show of support they received from those at the festivities - both old friends and new friends alike.
"It turned out to be the kind of evening we hoped it would be," Angie Fisher said. "It's just a great feeling to have such a turnout."
MARGARET MYERS/Daily
Michigan basketball coach Steve Fisher spoke to an estimated 1,000 fans who came to the Novi Doubletree Hotel last Thursday to show their support for the coach.