Michigan Hires Former Chairman of NCAA Infractions Committee
Not sure if this has been posted, but I did not see it. These are quotes from a FP article and I did not want to post a link to them:
“The University of Michigan has retained Gene Marsh, a former chairman of the NCAA’s Infractions on Committee, as its outside counsel to assist in its investigation of the football program, according to individuals with knowledge of the hiring.”
“Marsh, who joined the Birmingham, Ala., firm of Lightfoot, Franklin and White in its sports law department in February, served nine years on the Infractions Committee before his tenure ended in the summer of 2008.”
“He received his undergraduate degree in 1978 from Ohio State University. He was on the Infractions Committee on May 26, 2003 when the Wolverines were dealt penalties resulting from the Ed Martin basketball booster scandal.”
“Marsh was the chair of the committee from 2004-06.”
“He has been a law professor at Alabama since 1981 and teaches Contracts, Sports Law, Consumer Protection, and Corporate Finance in the School of Law.”
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:16 PM ^
These are just selected quotes.
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:21 PM ^
Seems like the guy has all the right qualifications to shut it down if there's no fire in the smoke. If there is fire, of any measure, it sounds like the right guy to propose self correction that the NCAA accepts.
Of course, the FREEP will say "Michigan hopes investigator from Ed Martin NCAA violations can limit sanctions from latest scandal: Is this the end for another coach?"
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:24 PM ^
This is not the guy you want to hire if you are trying to hide something.
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:27 PM ^
He is no Harriet Miers. Drew Sharp will probably piss out a "Big 10 homer" whine regardless.
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:35 PM ^
We hired a Buckeye? Jesus, I thought we were going for impartial here.
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:37 PM ^
Of course, what better endorsement when he comes back with nothing
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:23 PM ^
No buckeye can be impartial. This runs too deep. This guy did not exactly cut Michigan a break in the webber investigation.
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:39 PM ^
umm, what kind of breaks were you looking for? Webber alone pocketed over $250,000. It's not exactly like UM got a raw deal.
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:57 PM ^
exactly what we would all like to see USC get in both football AND basketball.
The scope of the payment to the players during that era was simply amazing. I remember the idea that there were more than $1M in payment to various players through the years via Martin.
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:46 PM ^
Taking "...keep your enemies closer" to a whole new level.
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:50 PM ^
The guy sounds pretty tough. I agree it's a good move by Martin or whoever to hire this guy. That said, most of the general public will never know this guy's credentials when this all comes back as BS, so it won't mean anything as far the perception of our program. It will mean something to the Big Ten and NCAA, however.
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:56 PM ^
"NCAA Official Who Imposed Wrist-Slap in Ed Martin Scandal Hopes to Go Easy on Michigan Again."
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:08 PM ^
He went to OSU and his son went to Notre Dame, but I had a few good sports conversations with him and he once told me despite his ties to OSU/ND, he has the utmost respect for U of M. He is definitely a very fair and knowledgable person. He'll get the job done, hopefully in our favor.
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:10 PM ^
Aside from his obvious Buckeye past, he is the former chair of the NCAA infractions committee. Remember that NCAA will likley review Michigan's investigation. This guy has to has credibility with the NCAA. This seems ilke the perfect person for the job.
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:29 PM ^
When you are innocent you want the toughest SOB possible to look into the allegations. This is a GREAT move and signals that M is confident in their position.