Michigan Athletic Director Bill Martin accused of pushing, grabbing student employees
Retiring Michigan Athletic Director Bill Martin admitted Monday he mishandled a situation with an employee who alleged Martin grabbed him at Michigan Stadium after the Delaware State game this fall.
Another security employee also reported to police that Martin pushed her after the Notre Dame game a month earlier, but Martin said in a letter he didn't recall that incident.
The latest incident occurred just three days before Martin abruptly announced his retirement on Oct. 21. That same day, a police investigator alerted Martin of the police investigation, a police report said.
Michigan Athletic Director Bill Martin
Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com
AnnArbor.com requested a copy of the police reports Oct. 23, but just received the reports Monday evening - along with the letter from Martin, which is dated Monday.
Martin could not be reached for comment Monday evening. The cases have both been closed; the employees told police they did not want to press charges, according to the reports.
Both incidents occurred as Martin was attempting to enter the secure U-M Regents guest area during the games, according to the reports. A new security procedure was blamed for the confusion.
"The employees were part of a new security process for the stadium’s guest areas and they (one each, on two separate occasions) did not initially allow Martin - who was unaware of the new procedure - to enter," U-M spokeswoman Kelly Cunningham said in an e-mail statement. "The change caused unnecessary confusion and we are working to improve the process for future games."
Cunningham declined to discuss the new security measures Tuesday. She also said Martin's retirement announcement was not linked to the police investigation.
"They are in no way linked," Cunningham said. "He had been thinking about retirement for a long time."
Both employees - one is a student at U-M and the other is a student at Eastern Michigan University - are assigned to special assignments through the campus Department of Public Safety.
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Employee Jackie Turner told police she was working the Michigan game against Notre Dame Sept. 12 and was assigned to the U-M Regents guest area, which also has a door leading to the general seating area. She said three men in U-M polo shirts attempted to walk into the regents' area, and she asked to see the first man's pass to get inside.
Turner told police the man put his right hand on her left shoulder and said, 'Honey, I am the athletic director," the report said. Turner said that he "then pushed her on the left shoulder just hard enough to guide her out of his way," reports said. She told police she did not resist, and the three men walked by.
According to the report, Turner told a police supervisor on Oct. 3 that someone pushed her during one of her assignments on Sept. 12, but she didn't identify that person. She told the supervisor who it was and what happened after she learned another employee had been involved in an altercation with the same person on Oct. 17.
The second incident occurred during the Delaware State game. In that case, employee Arif Khan said he was working the south stairwell during the game, and after the game ended, Martin and a woman attempted to get inside the Regents area.
"Khan said that initially the two started to walk past him as if he wasn't there," the report said.Â
Khan told police he put his hand on the door and said he needed to see their passes to enter the area.
Khan told police Martin became upset and "used his right hand to forcibly grab Khan's windbreaker and gripped a large portion of Khan's DPS issued uniform windbreaker," the report said.
Khan said the person then told him, "I am the athletic director, I can go in." He also said Martin grabbed his identification badge hanging around his neck, saying, "I want to know your name."
A University Development Events staff member identified Martin and allowed him to enter, the report said.Â
Both employees told police on Oct. 17 they needed time to decide whether to press criminal assault and battery charges. On Oct. 20, they told police investigators they had decided not to prosecute, but they "hoped there would be some follow up in the incident" and would be willing to meet with Martin if it was appropriate, the report said.
Turner and Khan could not be reached by AnnArbor.com this evening.
An investigator spoke to Martin Oct. 21 and advised him a report was made, but was being closed. According to the report, "Martin told me that he had no intent to harm or scare the student worker and agreed that this type of incident would not occur in the future."
Martin's letter was placed in the file today and says he requested that "my understanding and recollection be placed on file in this matter." In the letter, he says his regular practice had been to cut through the Regents guest area to get to the athletic director's box, then retrace his steps at the end of the game.
For eight seasons, he wrote, he was greeted by a DPS security employee who recognized him and let him through. Martin said in the letter that he didn't recall the Sept. 12 incident. On Oct. 17, he said he remembers being stopped by someone who "did not have the DPS blue uniform on."
Martin wrote that he identified himself to the employee and was told the all-access pass his wife had didn't allow entry to the Regents area.
"It was a frustrating situation, and one I should have handled differently," he wrote. "... I have communicated with both employees to discuss the situation and express my regret. They were just doing their jobs."
Diane Brown, a spokeswoman for campus police, also said she could not discuss specific security measures at Michigan Stadium.
Martin plans to retire on Sept. 4, 2010. He became Michigan's athletic director on an interim basis on August 1, 2000, replacing Tom Goss.
Amalie Nash is the news director at AnnArbor.com. Reach her at amalienash@annarbor.com or 734-623-2521.
Comments
pattycakes
Sun, Jan 17, 2010 : 10:58 p.m.
I was just re-reading peeps comments and am somewhat sickened by U of M Sports fans (there is no other explanation!) To those surprising number of people who actually think that it is OK for Martin to manhandle students- what do you think would happen if the sitch was reversed and the students decided to put their hands on Martin while he is doing his job- they would be call in the U of M fake/scary police "Dept of Public Safety" before you could say "Miranda Rights." This just proves what elitists you Mich people are- you would scream bloody murder were roles reversed...at extreme heirarchy-conscious U 0f M-..High status= special rights and rules, even to the point of physically pushing around the LOWEST people on the totem pole, the LEAST ABLE to stand up for themselves. This is the textbook definition of BULLY. It is abusive. Wake up.
seavet1
Fri, Nov 27, 2009 : 10:51 p.m.
Who cares whether they were student employees or not, assault is assault period. As a former hockey player I can tell Martin was universally dislike and sadly has been protected by the University, he has pulled other stunts before. In any business setting had he grabbed a fellow employee he would have been fired on the spot. It really too bad the two workers did not seek legal council and not listen to cajoling by the University.
umgrad83
Sun, Nov 15, 2009 : 12:35 p.m.
The athletic director abused his authority and manhandled one person. His slight pushing of another employee was inappropriate but, as described by the employee, was not serious in nature. Regarding the former - the employee was not acting "entitled." He has every reason to expect that someone can behave in a mature, professional way - especially if they set the example for how coaches should behave. Sould recognize the AD? The AD should know about the changes in his own stadium, carry the proper passes, and adhere to the requests of security just like everyone else. I expect the people who think the AD was ok in all of this would agree that police officers should allow the Mayor to speed, ignore stop signs, and fail to carry insurance cards.........sheesh. Lately, the athletic department at UM - especially associated with football - has been embarrassing itself.
michigan48103
Thu, Nov 12, 2009 : 12:54 a.m.
This is common at the University of Michigan, the past coach Glen S. know as Bo was like this and he would even push his wife in public is something did not go his way, oh, not the young blond wife, the older second wife, her name was Millie. He used to be a patient alot of St. Joes and he was rude and I saw him push others and his wife Millie. The Athletic people have a rude and bad way of treating others, it has gone on for years. You will never see them in Jail or paying for a fine or getting displinary action from the University, I am sure he got his usual raise and the best seat for free for all games. Do not let him retire, he should be fired and done by his friend the president Coleman.
Danny
Wed, Nov 11, 2009 : 11:48 p.m.
To conservative, Thats the best idea I've heard all day. Keep doing a fine job AAN! GO BLUE ALWAYS
Conservative
Wed, Nov 11, 2009 : 1:13 p.m.
maybe they can all sit down at Mary Sue's house and have a few beers. Can't we all just get along?
Danny
Wed, Nov 11, 2009 : 1:26 a.m.
Security is on a power trip or a stupid trip. The AD is the man in charge of all the sports facilities, security better get to know their boss! I can just see some security dude try and stop Joe Pa at the Penn State executive gate, or Vince Dooley or Bear Bryant. Power trip, ignorant or not properly trained as we see a lot of lately at U of M. The whole thing is blown out of proportion as usual. Get a life and get over it. He was wrong so lets convene a grand jury and call in the FBI. Oh don't forget the ACLU and he is damned lucky the persons grabbed were not a minority or we would have to expand our investigation list. How many filthy rich people do you know that are not arrogant or self centered? I know, you know a bunch.
Conservative
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 10:27 p.m.
I didn't think it was even possible for Mr. Martin to enter through those doors with his BIG HEAD. Get a life Mr. Martin and follow the rules like everyone else.
captain
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 9:21 p.m.
enough is enough... this guy has gotta go, now!! first he bungles the les myles hire, then the embarrasing offer to the rutgers coach then he panicks and makes the offer to richrod w/o the proper vetting.. don canham once said all ya gotta do is make the right football coach hire... and get out of the way. too bad martin's arrogance and ego wouldn't allow him to do the same... now we all pay dearly... for years. i hope the board of regents will put an end to billy boys dream of retiring in his private pigstye next opening day... he doesn't deserve it... no way! and i hope someone (ms. coleman?) will tell him immediately... KEEP YOUR SLIMY HANDS OFF THE STUDENTS!!!!
bunnyabbot
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 9:05 p.m.
This is a non topic. A man walks through the same door over and over again for years. A couple times someone stops him and he points out who he is, hand on shoulder, honey, BIG DEAL. if I got upset everytime some man said honey (girl, miss, missy, etc) to me I would spend a lot of time pissed off. Thicker skin, let it roll of and move on. If I am really disgusted by some man saying "honey" I turn around and say it back, with a snarky tone.
azwolverine
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 7:54 p.m.
These security people have a job to do. If they just let in everyone who says they are important and are allowed in, they are not doing their job. Martin should know better. Good riddance, jerk.
rightmind250
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 7:05 p.m.
This has hit the National new of course. Does it get any more entertaining than Richrod and Martin? They are like the old cartoon. Hekyl and Jekyl. Love it, Love it, Love it!
goblue7182
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 5:51 p.m.
I was a student unpaid intern in 2005 in the sports marketing department. I worked every saturday doing various tasks the marketing department needed. I worked "security" at the front of the VIP lounge area on the golf course. I was told to only let people that were on the list in. An older gentleman walked up to me and without saying anything started walking by me. I said excuse me, can I get your name to make sure your on the list? This guy kind of freaked out, asking me if I wanted to keep my internship and asking me if I knew who he was. I didn't, but I did really quickly, after that day I never forgot that face. It was Bill Martin, I have been telling friends and family this story for years, I was not surprised at all when this news was released. This guy is a super rich, out of touch, ego maniac.
Marvin Face
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 5:40 p.m.
treetown, Goss didn't do that, it was before him. What was REALLY great was when the chain link fence and barbed wire around the stadium was yellow!
treetowncartel
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 5:18 p.m.
The big house has never been the same since they took the chain link fence with the barb wire on top down. Goss did that, and then ordered those used silver and black section# signs from the coliseum in L.A.
louisa
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 4:48 p.m.
Martin should have retired sooner, he has been the downfall of Michigan sports, he should take Rich with him. Oh but what a beautiful Big House we have to look at, with thanks to Martin. NOT!
Cash
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 3:01 p.m.
"It was the University of Michigan Department of Public Safety, not Ann Arbor Police. In the report, it does not outline any specific reason they didn't want to prosecute" A Nash This is exactly why colleges want their OWN police department. That way they can manipulate things to their satisfaction.
KeepingItReal
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 2:59 p.m.
To MLiveSaline: You missed the point. I recently attended a UM game and you are right. There is no way that you can enter your seat without touching someone. However, if someone finds that touching to be offensive to them or if they want to complain they can. However, keep in mind...it is the attitude and accompanied behavior of the person doing the touching. In Mr. Martin's case, his belligerent and threathening attitude is the determining factor in an assault case in addition to this use of his power and influence as the employees superior. Don't worry though, nothing will ever happen to Mr. Martin as a result of his action. The University will not address it and as far as the UM Police is concerned the case is closed. Another privileged individual is able to use the system to escape the consequences of his action. There are many individuals living in this community who "innocent" touch of someone has caused them a ton of trouble. I'm sure that they would like to have been extended the same courtesy as the student's extended to Mr. Martin of not pursuing formal charges against him. Also, I wonder if this had been a less affluent citizen of this communtiy, would the student's subsequent action have been the same.
hellofans
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 1:39 p.m.
Does Martin have any elgibility left? Maybe he can play defense.
mlivesaline
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 1:24 p.m.
Re: But you have no right to put your hands on anyone. That's how our society runs. Are you friggin kidding me. There are 108,000 people touching each other during every game. Assault? How many times have all of us touched someone without their permission? I suspect we all have. Well I guess we should all turn ourselves into the police since we have all committed assault. Someone in your way and you say excuse me please and brush by them, Assault. Pat someone on the back for doing a good job, Assault.
81wolverine
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 1:07 p.m.
Bill Martin should know better than to be rude to others, especially in a public setting where his actions can damage his and the U's reputations. At a minimum, I hope he has learned to follow his own security procedures in the future.
aaman
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 12:44 p.m.
Amalie - could you clarify which department was the investigating agency? I was assuming it was UMDPS not the AAPD. If UMDPS and they decided not to request an authorization it becomes a bit more interesting. Is there any chance the students will explain why they are not proceeding with a complaint. Loutish behavior aside, from what has been reported here it certainly seems like an assault. Unless there is something not reported here Martin's express "regret" does not have the word apologize. Maybe he did but it is not reported.
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 12:32 p.m.
"A new security procedure was blamed for the confusion." I personally don't buy this as anything more than damage control. But it raises a couple of questions I hope Ann Arbor.com may find worthy of asking. 1. If the AD was not aware of "new security procedures" for the Notre Dame incident how could he still not know 5 weeks later? 2. Who was responsible for informing the AD of the new security procedures? 3. Did the AD ever "sign off" on the new security procedures?
The Grinch
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 11:39 a.m.
It just keeps getting better.
treetowncartel
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 11:31 a.m.
And to think, Gary Moeller got fired for flirting with a waitress.
Jello Biafra
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 10:54 a.m.
who are all of these apologists defending Martin's actions and being critical of the two students who were only doing their jobs? Probably the same folks who keep talking about a "Michigan Man" and live in the past. If Martin wasn't so arrogant and self-centered, maybe he would have praised the two students for doing their job, rather than shove them out of the way. This loser can't leave the University of Michigan fast enough.
KeepingItReal
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 10:54 a.m.
Please help me understand this matter. Mr. Martin, uninviteably put his hand not on just one person but two and a criminal charge was not file. I can cite you numerous cases in which one individual has committed an act of putting their hands on someone without their permission and criminal charges was filed especailly in the work place. FYI, check with the prosecutor's office to obtain a legal ruling on this matter and you will see exactly what the law states. Mr. Martin used his position of power and influence in an inappropriate manner to avoid conforming to the rules. I guarantee you that if Mr. Martin was to uninviteably put his hands on his Wife in such a manner and she filed a report, he would have no choice in the matter as to whether a formal police report is filed. But you see, if you are member of the privileged class, rules and laws do not apply. Remember the case of the students that was involved in a fight not too long ago at Skyline High School? Well, guess what, they are being charged. There was all kinds of public outcry to have these children punished. They did not have an opportunity to have those charges withdrawn. We got to teach those poor children a lesson. I don't care if Michgan football ever becomes newsworthy again.
mama247
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 10:48 a.m.
Yesteryear Ann Arbor News "Citizen of the Year" Bill Martin lacks civility..... sad. Shame on him for being a lout.
IMissThePaper
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 10:44 a.m.
Someone is asked to "check out the new security measures" at a gated area. Hmmm. Have someone who looks like the AD, tells the guard working there he's the AD, refuses to show any identification that says he's the AD, and then physically pushes someone aside to get where he wants to go. Evaluate how the guard handles the situation to see if he/she does the job right. When (and for whom) do you NOT follow the new security measures?
aaparent
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 10:34 a.m.
Thanks, Amalie. Is there someone at the U-M who is a source you or another reporter can talk to in order to flesh out the story? Just going from the report and the news release might be giving an overly simplistic view on both sides. Is there someone in the athletic department or ticket office who would be able to explain old v. new procedures? It is good that aa.com FOIA'd this report but some additional information might help clarify some of the implications readers can draw from the story.
aaparent
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 10:13 a.m.
Amalie-are patrons required to show or wear i.d. when they sit in this area at a game? Did Mr. Martin have an i.d. badge or offer identification to the employees? The story mentions the new security procedure but does not explain. Did other patrons that day in the Regents guest area find the new rules confusing?
djuninho
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 9:45 a.m.
Dear Ms. Turner and Mr. Khan: You are sitting on a winning lotto ticket here... You'd be stupid not to file a civil lawsuit against Dollar Bill... We all know from the RichRod lawsuit that Dollar Bill will settle before being forced onto the witness stand... My advice: shake down Mr. Moneybags for $50,000 each and pay for two years worth of tuition!!!
naturally
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 9:39 a.m.
This is such a non-story. If you're a security employee, shouldn't you know who you are securing? On another note, can annarbor.com PLEASE use a better picture of Bill Martin? I'm tired of seeing this picture of him looking confused and angry.
11GOBLUE11
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 9:37 a.m.
I find it hard to believe that Mr. Martin shoved students. I find it easier to believe the arrogance line of thought. But for every example of elite arrogance, there are examples of arrogrance among average people. A guy took it upon himself to threaten my wife about a month ago in a Kroger parking lot because she didn't return her cart to the front of the store when done. He repeatedly banged on her window and threatened to ram the cart into her car, and then left the cart behind the car so she had to get out to leave. She was literally terrified. Regardless of how important the topic is, this fella thought his views trump all others...arrogance.
a2grateful
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 9:06 a.m.
This story is a great example of mindless journalism that Americans love... Of all of the tragic wrongdoing in the world, this is what enrages us?. Never underestimate the collective poor taste of the American public, or the journalism that feeds it...
Go Blue
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 9:01 a.m.
First and foremost - rudeness is rudeness no matter WHO you are. A man, especially of his stature, should be a positive example to others, showing respect no matter what the situation. Its called being a L E A D E R. Smugness and a haughty attitude are not "best foot forward" when responding to others. And this is a good example for students? This follows the Michigan tradition of strong leadership? When one is in a position where you are in the public eye, you lead and show the best possible attitude - not the worst. Anyone else surely would not have this swept under the carpet, now would they?
David Ham
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 9:01 a.m.
Maybe Mr. Martin should coach the secondary on the Michigan football team;-)
InsideTheHall
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 8:42 a.m.
Bill needs to attend diversity training and spend a week at Lane Hall. The word "honey" is no longer part of the American lexicon. Shame on you Bill Martin!
glimmertwin
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 8:26 a.m.
It sounds like what Mr. Martin needs to be taught is some manners. He may pull that junk to the wrong person someday, and get his you-know-what kicked.
MjC
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 8:15 a.m.
Matt writes "a man of considerable stature such as Mr. Martin is allowed to push away 'students pursuing scholarly endeavors' at a 'public location of commune' provided that the man utters the line 'Dost thou know who I am?' The law has been upheld in several courts and is part of the precedent law People v. Son of Dealership Owner." I love this! Now I understand why I've met so many Ann Arborites speaking the words "Don't you know who I AM?" (usually I don't). I wonder if that line will work for me with my own kids?
Stophersports
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 8:12 a.m.
@ Nash: Thank you for that background information. Unfortunately, it still does not explain why the information included a letter from Martin which was dated the day it was released. Perhaps I am making too much of this, but it just gives off an appearance of impropriety. Looks as though the FOIA Coordinator tipped off Martin, and he deemed it necessary to add his own version to the packet, before it was released.
Stophersports
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 7:39 a.m.
Odd that no one is bothering to notice that it took 17 days for the University to respond to the FOIA request (the statute requires "a public body shall respond to a request for a public record within 5 business days after the public body receives the request"), and that when Michigan finally got around to responding, it included a letter from Martin dated November 9.
chosen1
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 7:32 a.m.
This isn't what Mr. Martin should be remembered for, just like we shouldn't remember coach Moeller for his drunk incident. He's done alot of great things at the university, but he is human and he made some choices im sure he wish he could take back. But haven't we all done things we shouldn't have? stop throwing stones from your glass houses
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 7:25 a.m.
Another case of the "privileged" class assuming the rules don't apply to them. I love the notion that the employees should have known who he was. Why? Are they handed a list of names and faces who don't need identification and told to memorize it?
Cash
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 7:15 a.m.
I wonder if Mr Martin puts his hands on "Sally" and pushes "Sally" when she is in his way? Or is she somehow superior to Jackie? Keep your hands off of other people, Mr Martin, regardless of their "social status". WE ALL DESERVE RESPECT.
1998pa
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 7:10 a.m.
My God, people...can you get an ounce of perspective? No one is saying Bill Martin is a violent maniac who should be behind bars for his heinous actions. BUT, Martin was 100 percent, unequivocally wrong for what he did, not once, but twice. Quite being apologists for once in your lives! It doesn't mean you have to become OSU and MSU fans...it doesn't mean you have to act as if he killed someone...it just means you admit when there's something wrong. Martin had no right to touch anyone, regardless if it was to push them out of the way. Should the employees know him? Sure, he's the head of the athletic department. But the fact is that they didn't. So deal with it, Billy. You wanna fire them for not recognizing you? Go right ahead. But you have no right to put your hands on anyone. That's how our society runs. Once again, it was another needlessly stupid move by this guy. And that's the sad part for Michigan athletics: it never had to happen. As far as it being news, PLEASE go read something else. Unless AAN kisses Michigan's butt, some people aren't happy. Well guess what: you're not a journalist...you're a slappy fan! Unfortunately for you, there are a lot of newsworthy items about Michigan football right now, much of it negative. Instead of having an open mind, you shoot the messenger, and accuse him of a witch hunt. Sadly, the Big House could collapse all around you, and you'd sit in the middle of the field with your block M hat on, watching it all go down as everyone around you ran for safety.
InsideTheHall
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 7:10 a.m.
Bill Martin IS Bobby Knight!
cook1888
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 6:42 a.m.
All hail King William
GoBlue2009
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 6:35 a.m.
Am I the only one here who thinks "assault" is a bit harsh of a word? C'mon, he pushed them out of the way.
Cash
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 6:06 a.m.
What a disgrace. I wonder why these young people didn't press charges. Anyone want to guess? I hope this means they will be finishing their education with nice fat scholarships!(one will have to transfer) And coincidental that Martin resigns 3 days after the second incident? Whatever happened to Michigan pride? Cheating Program. Cheap Shots on the field. Cheap shots off the field. The Michigan Man bullies a woman. What a disgrace.
rightmind250
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 5:46 a.m.
So what happens if they shove him back? I guarantee those students would have been arrested. This guy is just another embarassment.
pattycakes
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 1:59 a.m.
I am shocked and amazed that this news even got out. Usually U of M likes to just bully the victims of crime on its campus until they give up pressing charges. And you fools who think it's OK for him to push his way through will be the same people screaming- "Where was security," if some crazy shooter gets through someday. Why do you think they have security? And I bet those kids are making all of 8.00 bucks an hour to put up with typical U of M horse crap.
truebluefan
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 12:58 a.m.
Geez. Does this really matter? OK, so we all know that Bill Martin can be an egotistical jerk who gets a little too aggressive with his hand motions. Let me know if he drew blood or threw a punch. Otherwise, it's just a waste of pixels on my computer monitor.
Seasoned Cit
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 12:27 a.m.
Wow, the I'll bet the Free Press/News is feeling bad that they didn't get this breaking story about another mess at the UM Athletic Dept. I wonder if Mary Sue will invite Mr. Martin and the students to a cider (alcohol not approved on campus) summit to clear the air? This just points out how much more training will need to be done with ushers and security folks so that all those folks going to the high priced private boxes in the new Big House will get the special treatment that their "donations" deserve.
uminks
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 12:16 a.m.
Bill Clinton got away with a lot worse!!!!
Paul Taylor
Tue, Nov 10, 2009 : 12:01 a.m.
Typical Michigan arrogance: "These kids should have known who the athletic director was" (wmsam04). Perhaps Martin should have been aware of security procedures. These EMPLOYEES (not 'kids') were doing their jobs, and, it would seem, doing their jobs EFFECTIVELY. Kudos to them! "Give me a break. He even identified himself. I understand that DPS staff are trying to do a job. The fact that they don't know who Bill Martin is tells me a lot" (AAallmylife). I guess if *I* cop an attitude and 'identify' myself as athletic director, then I, too, can have full run of the stadium on game days, when it is playing host to 100k people, right? I don't care who Bill Martin is, he doesn't get past unless he plays by the rules, and he sure as hell doesn't have the right to manhandle someone in the performance of their official duties! But, like I said: typical Michigan arrogance.
aaman
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 11:27 p.m.
Entitled "important" people will always get by with doing whatever they want. At least these two kids learned in college that self important people can push others around and show no respect for someone just trying to do the job. It's fun to see people like Martin ask police officers when stopped "Do you know who I am?" The standard answer is "Yes, somebody who just broke the law." Maybe these two kids will grow up to be police officers. They will have had good training courtesy of Martin.
Wolverine Commentator
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 11 p.m.
This is typical University of Michigan arrogance at several levels - especially note the post about the student employee who could not be a student employee because he/she attends Eastern Michigan. Michigan is actually the best college in Washtenaw County and will let everyone know it. A little arrogance is OK although too much results in a football team that just thinks that it has to show up to win. If Bill Martin is typical of the caliber of the University's "leaders," then the school really is in trouble. Why doesn't he stay and tough this one out? Let's see some Wolverine spirit!!
golions34
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 10:56 p.m.
@ Matt Sussman Hilarious. Judging by some of these comments my guess is that more people get it over at deadspin than here though...
aarox
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 10:37 p.m.
If I was the Michigan AD I would behave exactly the same way. He has to set a standard for us. We are Michigan! But I would get a better photo.
michboy40
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 10:04 p.m.
Wow. The athletic director does not know the requirements for getting into the Regents Area? Not once, but twice? Why doesnt he just have a pass for crying out loud. How stupid. Still, I don't think you get arrested for moving someone out of your way or for being a jerk...unless you leave marks.
ssAA
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 9:46 p.m.
Who do you think you are Martin, Professor Henry Gates?
wmsam04
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 9:36 p.m.
Mr. Martin is the athletic director at the University of Michigan. These student employees should either know who he is or stop trying to power trip on anyone who happens by their post. He doesn't have time to answer to these kids when he is working. It is insane, and the people going after him obviously have an agenda and would go after him regardless.
Rodie
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 9:30 p.m.
This is the dumbest article I have ever read.
IoniaDawg
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 9:10 p.m.
You can bet if U of M hires Tim Selgo, this will never, ever happen!
DwightSchrute
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 9:10 p.m.
This smacks of Bill Martin's ego through and through. I can picture his attitude in his snotty words.
Hogan
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 9:05 p.m.
Can this program get any more bizzare? What a sideshow.
1998pa
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 9:01 p.m.
By "a sense of entitlement," do you mean basic human dignity? I'm not sure how you let people treat you, but if someone puts his hands on me in that manner, Macabre, I've got every right to blast him in his grill-piece.
heartbreakM
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 8:59 p.m.
much ado about nothing. I'm more offended by his use of the term "honey" to a young woman than the accusation of force. He probably gently put his arms to walk by them. I'm not a fan of Bill Martin's scheduling, his choice of football coach, but I can't imagine he is a forceful violent man. Even if he is a landlord.
nick
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 8:51 p.m.
With regard to the University of Michigan, its athletic department and its stadium, the student at Eastern Michigan should not be referred to as a student employee. Referring to him as a student employee in the context of the story infers that he is a student of the university. Being that EMU is in way related to UM, Kahn should be referred to as simply an employee. Student employee also carries with it the inference that the employee is working within some sort of academic program that is tied to the job.
MikeyP
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 8:51 p.m.
Ever been in the Regent's Guest Area during a game? Everyone in there is "important"... or at least think they are because, well, they get to be in the RGA! Various VIP's and big wigs go in and out constantly... there's a REASON there is a separate guest pass for that area. If Athletics is going to pay someone to check passes, then the person running the Athletics Department should be the FIRST person to understand why he should have to show a pass to get into that area. And we're talking college students here, they're doing a job to make money. If they were huge UofM sports fans and knew every AD/coach/recruit/etc. by heart they'd probably be WATCHING the game instead of WORKING it, don't you think? These kids were just doing their job, a job DPS hired them to do (and the Athletic Department pays DPS for them to do) and some of you are blaming the students for all of this?!? That's pretty ridiculous IMHO.
a2native
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 8:35 p.m.
"Little Jackie and Little Arif need to develop less of a sense of entitlement." It sounds like Little Bill needs to do the same
AAJoker
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 8:31 p.m.
Good to see that Bill is letting is jerk side show through, instead of being kind and introducing himself he sticks his nose in the air and acts superior to everyone else; literally SHOVING others out of the way. The same type of attitude he has exhibited in his business transactions for years.
Matt Sussman
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 8:30 p.m.
These incidents will never materialize into any punishment. According to an obscure line in the town ordinance dating back to 1877, a man of considerable stature such as Mr. Martin is allowed to push away "students pursuing scholarly endeavors" at a "public location of commune" provided that the man utters the line "Dost thou know who I am?" The law has been upheld in several courts and is part of the precedent law People v. Son of Dealership Owner.
texorama
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 8:24 p.m.
I'm glad he's getting nailed on this. It's a perfect example of how athletics on this campus seems to be a sphere where rules don't apply and setting a good example isn't important.
AAallmylife
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 8:24 p.m.
Give me a break. He even identified himself. I understand that DPS staff are trying to do a job. The fact that they don't know who Bill Martin is tells me a lot. No way would I ever have allowed a police report filed for this. Shame on DPS.
af3201sps
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 8:22 p.m.
These are not "dumb kids" and no one has a right, no matter who you are, to place your hands on another person. Mr. Martin of all people should know that. There were certainly better ways of informing students of who he is and what his position at the UM is then grabbing them and forcing someone out of his way. Mr. Martin is very lucky that he was not criminally charged. He admitted that he made a mistake and chose to resign instead.
Macabre Sunset
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 8:19 p.m.
I am no Martin fan by a long shot, but if I filed a report and cried over every time a boss moved me out the way or was a little cross with me when I was that age, I'd still be filling out the paperwork. If he bruised them or drew blood, another story entirely. Poor manners? Little Jackie and Little Arif need to develop less of a sense of entitlement.
wmsam04
Mon, Nov 9, 2009 : 8:09 p.m.
You give some people a little authority and they go to far. These kids should have known who the athletic director was. Football saturdays are work days for him and he probably doesn't have the time or patience to deal with some dumb kid who thinks its his or her job to harass everyone coming and going from their area.