Up in the air: Ray's status still uncertain

Hold everything. Michigan safety Marcus Ray might be back in two games - but then again, he might not.

During the weekly Big Ten teleconference yesterday, Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said that "there seems to be some debate as to whether (Ray's suspension will) be five or six games."

Last Friday, Carr and Athletic Director Tom Goss said Ray would miss two more games as punishment for improper contact with an agent. Now, that may have changed. Carr said Ray will miss "at least two more games," and maybe three.

"There is some confusion on the part of both the University and the NCAA as to what was stated and what was understood" in terms of Ray's suspension, Michigan Associate Athletic Director for Media Relations Bruce Madej said last night.

"There is an area of confusion in terms of the amount of games that Marcus is suspended for," Madej said. Madej also said that University faculty advisor "Percy Bates is talking with the NCAA to try to reach an agreement."

On Monday, Carr said Ray would no longer be a tri-captain for Michigan, and that he'd have to compete to win back his starting safety position.

The confusion apparently revolves around whether Ray's punishment was to be half of Michigan's season, or just two more games - in addition to the three he's already missed. Because Michigan has 12 games scheduled this season, a half-season suspension would warrant the extra game.

10-14-98