Investigation nears completion; Ray still suspended for Iowa

FILE PHOTO Michigan senior safety Marcus Ray will remain under suspension for the game at Iowa. The investigation following allegations that he had improper contact with an agent should be concluded this week.

Athletic Department: Query should conclude within week

Marcus Ray will soon learn his fate. But he won't play this weekend against Iowa.

The emotional leader of Michigan's defense for the past two years, Ray has been suspended since Sept. 10, after the NCAA contacted Michigan Athletic Director Tom Goss with information suggesting Ray had improper contact with an agent. The NCAA stated it was acting on an anonymous tip.

The University has been investigating the allegation, and in the meantime, Ray has not been allowed to practice or participate in any team-sponsored events.

Yesterday, Michigan Sports Information Director Bruce Madej said that the investigation "should conclude this week."

In the interim, Ray will remain suspended for the Wolverines' game against the Hawkeyes on Saturday.

When the University does wrap up its investigation, the findings will be forwarded to the NCAA, which will then determine Ray's status. Should the findings link Ray to major violations - such as agreeing to a contract or accepting gifts - his career as a Wolverine could be over. But if the findings are minimal, Ray could be reinstated.

After playing Iowa on Saturday, Michigan has a bye the following weekend (Oct. 10). The Wolverines return to action on the road against Northwestern on Oct. 17

Goss was unavailable for comment yesterday, but he told The Ann Arbor News on Monday that he "felt a lot better (about the situation) this week than I did last week."

In the past week, Goss met with Derrick Gragg, the University's director of compliance, who is heading the investigation along with faculty adviser Percy Bates.

Much speculation has centered around the idea that Ray's alleged involvement with an agent may be traceable to his best friend, former Michigan football player Charles Woodson. Woodson's agents have emphatically denied any wrongdoing in the situation.

Michigan coach Lloyd Carr has refused to talk about the topic since announcing Ray's suspension in a press conference. During yesterday's Big Ten teleconference, Carr held his position.

"I'm not worried about who is here," he said. "I'm more concerned about who is here."

Once the NCAA has received the results of Michigan's investigation, the decision on Ray's future could come anytime.

"As far as finality goes," Madej said, "when everything will be decided - I can't say."

09-30-98