'M' stars allegedly took $100,000 from Martin

By Heather Kamins
Daily News Editor

Former Michigan basketball stars Chris Webber and Maurice Taylor are accused of accepting more than $100,000 from Detroit booster Ed Martin.

Martin, a retired electrician for Ford Motor Company, is currently the subject of an investigation the University is conducting into the men's basketball program.

In March, the University disclosed two NCAA violations the team incurred through contact with Martin.

Recent statements from unidentified sources, who spoke to the Detroit Free Press, claim that Webber, Taylor and at least six other current or former Detroit-area college players received payment from Martin.

The six other players, five of whom attended the University, allegedly did not receive nearly as much money as Webber and Taylor.

Webber, who left the University after his sophomore year in 1993 and currently plays for the Washington Bullets, first encountered Martin when he was in junior high. Martin was often seen attending Webber's high school games at Birmingham's Detroit Country Day.

The newspaper reported that Webber received financial support from Martin during his college career. Allegedly, Martin expected Webber to pay the money back, with interest, after he turned pro.

Webber, according to the newspaper's sources, did not realize he would have to pay the money back. Webber repaid Martin, but apparently Martin was displeased with the amount of money he received.

After his experience, Webber warned Taylor to stay away from Martin, the newspaper reported. But Taylor did not heed Webber's warning, and therefore will also be expected to pay Martin back with interest.

The newspaper also reported that the University's investigation into the basketball program has revealed that Martin's name was listed on Webber's college apartment lease.

In response to these and other previous allegations the University hired a private law firm, which specializes in NCAA infractions and compliance, to investigate. The Kansas-based firm, Schoeneck, Bond & King is expected to release the reults of its investigation in mid to late summer.

Vice President for University Relations Walter Harrison said he could not comment on the allegations until after the investigation is completed.

"We currently have an investigation underway," Harrison said. "It would be inappropriate for me to comment during the investigation.

"After the investigation we will be able to talk more concretely about what we have discovered - if anything," Harrison said.

If these allegations against Webber and Taylor, as well as past allegations against other players including Michigan sophomore Robert Traylor, are proven to be valid, the results could be detrimental to the University's basketball program.

The charges are violations of NCAA regulations. The penalties for such violations could include probation, the loss of television rights and restriction from national tournaments.

Allegations against former 'M' players:
Chris Webber: Accused of accepting more than $100,000 from booster Ed Martin. Career Highlights: Consensus All-America first team pick as a sophomore; No. 1 overall selection in the 1993 NBA Draft; NBA Rookie of the Year in 1993-94.	Maurice Taylor: Accused of accepting more than $100,000 from booster Ed Martin. Career Highlights: Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 1994-95; Concluded Michigan career with more than 1,000 points and 500 rebounds - becoming the 18th player in Michigan history to do so.

06-04-97