Ray benched for violations

Michigan football coach Lloyd Carr announced yesterday that senior strong safety and tri-captain Marcus Ray is suspended indefinitely from the football team. The announcement was made at a press conference at Schembechler Hall.

"This action has been taken based on information received from the NCAA this past Tuesday," Carr said. "The suspension has come due to the allegations supplied by the NCAA concerning improper contact with a sports agent."

Ray will remain ineligible until the University's compliance committee investigates all the leads provided by the NCAA. At that time, if the leads are unsubstantiated, Ray will be reinstated.

But if there is truth to the allegations, then he will be considered officially ineligible to compete in intercollegiate athletics.

The NCAA received a tip this week, claiming that Ray had made contact with an agent in late July, Carr said. The NCAA contacted University Athletic Director Tom Goss with the information Tuesday, and Ray did not practice with the team yesterday.

MATT MADILL/Daily Athletic Director Tom Goss said in a press conference yesterday that an investigation will be launched immediately to look into alleged impropriety concerning Michigan senior strong safety Marcus Ray. The NCAA contacted Goss on Tuesday with information that Ray has been in contact with an agent.

"He's not guilty, but we must find out if there's any truth to the leads," Goss said.

Carr said he would not comment on the specifics of the allegation until the investigation is complete. Goss said the investigation should not take very long because there is "not a lot of stuff there."

Ray has often been labeled the emotional leader of the Michigan defense. Carr said his absence will hinder the team, which is 0-2 this season.

The senior safety is considered one of the best defensive backs in the nation. Last season, Ray was a second-team All-American and an all-Big Ten first team selectee.

Although Ray was unavailable for comment, his teammates declared their support.

"I'm disappointed for Marcus," said senior tri-captain Jon Jansen. "There's probably a wide variety of feelings he's feeling right now. Marcus is one of our teammates and he'll always be one of our teammates."

Ray has had a previous run-in with the law. In 1995, Ray, teammate Sam Sword and former teammate William Carr were found guilty of credit card fraud. Ray was placed on two years' probation.

09-18-98