The University Record, March 25, 1997
U retains outside firm to investigate basketball allegations
President Lee C. Bollinger announced March 17 that the University will retain an outside investigatory firm to look into recent anonymous allegations of impropriety in its men’s basketball program. The firm, Bond, Schoeneck & King, L.L.P., is based in Kansas City, Mo., and specializes in NCAA compliance.
“Joe Roberson and I have discussed the idea of retaining an independent organization to examine these allegations, and we agree that this is an appropriate and necessary step,” Bollinger said.
“I am convinced the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has made a good-faith effort to do a thorough investigation. However, in the wake of new, anonymous allegations which have appeared in recent media reports, we believe that the investigation must be reopened. We feel that an outside team of professionals is in a better position than the University to look into these matters. No stone should be left unturned,” he said.
“It is important for the future of Michigan intercollegiate athletics that we get to the bottom of these allegations. This goes beyond the department; it reflects on the entire University.”
M. Joseph Roberson, director of intercollegiate athletics, said, “The integrity of our athletic programs is and always will be my highest priority. It is vital that we continue to be as aggressive and thorough as possible in determining the facts in this matter. Our faculty athletics representative, Percy Bates, has discussed this step with the NCAA, and we are in regular contact with them.”
The outside investigation will begin immediately.
