The University Record, March 18, 1997
President, A.D. support Fisher 
The University last Tuesday released a joint statement from President Lee C. Bollinger and Athletic Director M. Joseph Roberson affirming their support of basketball coach Steve Fisher.
The statement noted that the disappointment of some fans regarding the team’s failure to be included in the NCAA tournament and the release of the report on secondary violations of NCAA rules have resulted in criticism of Fisher described as “unfortunate and unfair” by Bollinger and Roberson.
“We want it to be clear that Steve Fisher’s career at Michigan, both as an assistant coach and as head coach, is a career that has demonstrated a commitment to principle, a passion for integrity and a loyalty to Michigan that represents in the finest possible way the Michigan tradition,” the two said.
They noted that it was Fisher who thwarted attempts by an individual to provide inappropriate benefits to families and team members.
“Had it not been for Steve’s intervention, major violations of NCAA regulations—over which Michigan had no control but for which the Michigan program would have been held accountable—would likely have occurred.
“To ignore Steve Fisher’s contributions to Michigan, its student-athletes and its tradition, on and off the court, is both unfortunate and unfair. Steve Fisher has our confidence and our support and we invite the whole Michigan family to join us in this regard,” they said.
