The University has hired an independent firm to investigate recent allegations levied against the men's basketball team, University President Lee Bollinger announced yesterday.
"(Athletic Director) Joe Roberson and I have discussed the idea of retaining an independent organization to examine these allegations and we agree that this is an appropriate and necessary step," Bollinger said in a prepared statement.
In an attempt to resolve the numerous allegations of impropriety, the University has hired the investigative firm Bond, Schoeneck & King of Overland Park, Kan. The firm specializes in NCAA compliance and infractions.
Bollinger's announcement follows a seven-month investigation conducted by University officials that revealed minor NCAA violations but could not substantiate the more serious charges.
The firm will look into charges made last week by two anonymous sources quoted in the Detroit Free Press who claim to be closely linked with the team. They allege Detroit booster Ed Martin provided University athletes with improper cash handouts and gifts.
Michael Talley, who played for Michigan from 1989 to 1993, responded to the allegations, saying he often saw Martin with Michigan players.
"I remember seeing him in the tunnel at games and after practice at Crisler Arena, but he was always with the younger guys or (former assistant coach) Perry Watson," Talley told The Michigan Daily. "I saw them being real friendly to each other."
Senior Associate Athletic Director Keith Molin said the University's investigation hit stumbling blocks due to an inability to communicate with anonymous sources.
"In the report that was filed with the NCAA in March, we acknowledged that there were certain parties that would not talk to us," Molin said. "That left some areas unexplored. By bringing in an outside force, we may be more effective in contacting those parties."
Vice President for University Relations Walter Harrison said a professional firm will be better suited to conduct such an investigation.
"We've done a very long investigation and we have found no one who would substantiate these tips," Harrison said, referring to allegations of impropriety made in recent newspaper articles. "But we are administrators, not investigators."
Comprehensive steps must be taken to ensure the allegations are thoroughly probed, said Faculty Athletic Representative Percy Bates.
"I think that it's a reasonable way to go," Bates said. "We have seen continual things crop up in the last week and we need to see if they have any merit."
Last week, the University issued a report disclosing Martin's involvement with players violated two NCAA regulations. Michigan coach Steve Fisher came under fire for not reporting Martin's activities to the Athletic Department.
"The NCAA has never formally charged us of anything," Harrison said. "They've asked us to informally look into these allegations involving the exchange of money."
Talley said allegations of ethical problems stem from the coaching staff.
"I think a lot of the problems would be Steve Fisher's lack of discipline," Talley said. "He's passive and laid back. He lets his assistant coaches deal with all the problems."
Talley said Fisher has nothing more to add to the program.
"I don't think (Fisher) should return as the men's basketball coach next year," Talley said. "Keeping Fisher around is going to only hurt the reputation and the recruiting at Michigan."
Fisher could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Martin responded this weekend to allegations that he violated NCAA regulations by giving monetary handouts to Michigan players.
"I never told those kids what school to go to," Martin told The Detroit News. He also denied allegations he paid students to attend certain schools.
"I talked to the NCAA last summer," Martin told the News. "They said everything was within the rules."
Martin declined comment about whether or not he ever gave players monetary gifts.