Michigan proposes sanctions

Less than a month after the NCAA presented Michigan with its findings regarding the basketball program, possible sanctions have emerged.

In the back-and-forth process that often characterizes NCAA investigations, Michigan has entered the penalty phase.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the Michigan Athletic Department has recommended that two campus recruiting visits be taken away, reducing the present total from 12 to 10.

The proposal was made in a letter to the NCAA in which Michigan Athletic Director Tom Goss described the corrective measures taken by the University in light of the NCAA violations. Following the initial proposal of limits on recruting, Goss sent the NCAA additional information regarding the state of the program last week.

While Goss has yet to receive a response from the athletic governing body on this matter, the prospects are varied. Proposals by other schools have not always been accepted readily, as the NCAA often imposes its own act of judgment.

The suggestion of recruiting penalties emerged following the NCAA findings released on Dec. 17. In that statement, the NCAA discovered three secondary violations.

The first problem dealt with Detroit booster Ed Martin's role as a representative of the institution. By being deemed as such, Martin's presence during a recruiting visit by former head coach Steve Fisher created a problem.

Martin also figured in the second of the violations. His gift of a birthday cake and car rides for family members of a recruit were not in accordance with NCAA rules.

The final trangression dealt with Martin's contact with a recruit while that recruit was on his paid visit to the University. While the visit was acceptable under NCAA guidlines, Martin's contact was deemed improper.

The common thread between all three violations is Martin and his role as an agent of the Athletic Department's interests. That determination by the NCAA forced Goss to his present proposal to appease the NCAA with the recruiting limits.

01-12-98