The report detailing the investigation of the Michigan men's basketball program most likely will not uncover any new NCAA violations, according to a source close to the investigation.
The complete 250-page report is scheduled to be distributed to the public at a 9:30 a.m. press conference today.
Numerous allegations surfaced against the team after the University announced in March that the basketball program committed two minor violations through contact with Detroit booster Ed Martin.
In response to the allegations, University President Lee Bollinger hired Kansas-based law firm Bond, Schoeneck & King to investigate the team and compile a report about its findings.
The source said the NCAA now will have to examine the report to determine if any new violations have occurred.
"The investigators have had a very hard time getting anyone to substantiate the allegations made," the source said, referring to anonymous sources who have spoken to area newspapers. "Without that, it is likely that the report won't contain any significant information. It's unlikely that there will be any new violations."
Bollinger, Athletic Director Tom Goss and Vice President for University Relations Walter Harrison will conduct the press conference. A knowledgeable source said Michigan men's basketball coach Steve Fisher is out of town and will not attend the press conference.
Harrison said the University received the report at 3 p.m. yesterday and immediately decided to distribute it this morning.
"The purpose of the press conference is to release the report and to discuss it with reporters," Harrison said.
The release of the report marks the conclusion of an eight-month investigation of the basketball program.
Numerous unnamed sources claimed Martin passed gifts and cash to players, sometimes through girlfriends or stashed in birthday cake boxes. Other allegations claim that Martin may have assisted players in obtaining car and apartment leases.
The most serious charges allege that former Michigan stars Chris Webber and Maurce Taylor accepted more than $100,000 from Martin.
There were also claims that Martin was used by the coaching staff to assist the recruitment of new players. Complimentary ticket lists reveal that Martin often received complimentary tickets to home games and, on one occasion, was purposely seated next to recruits.
If these allegations prove to be true, the repercussions from the NCAA could be devastating for the University. If heavy sanctions are levied, the team could lose scholarships or be banned from post-season competition and television coverage.
10-09-97
| Next Article |
should be sent to: daily.letters@umich.edu | should be sent to: online.daily@umich.edu |