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Booster Admits to Role in University Gambling Ring

"Martin was accused by prosecutors in a March 15 indictment of loaning profits from a gambling ring to U-M players, possibly as much as $600,000.

"…As part of his plea bargain with federal prosecutors, Martin agreed to cooperate with the government and the U-M athletic department in their investigations about the payments, which originally came to light in early 1996.

"We have always been interested in finding out the truth with the case surrounding Ed Martin,' said U-M Athletic Director Bill Martin (no relation) in a Tuesday statement.

"…Since the university's investigation reopened following the March arraignment, U-M was in a holding pattern. With the former players reluctant to cooperate, the school was forced to wait until the court case was resolved.

"In a March 25 news conference, Bill Martin said U-M officials had been waiting for a plea bargain for more than two years and by cooperating with the U.S. Attorney's office, they had held off on their own investigation.

"…The plea bargain eliminates any chance of the former players taking the stand at a public trial and addressing the alleged payments under oath.

"…Sacramento Kings star Chris Webber, formerly of Birmingham-based Detroit Country Day, has only admitted to the Sacramento Bee, `He would call himself our godfather, you know, the players, and if it was a problem or something - you know, my father didn't have money - I'd go get $50 from him.'

"Webber insisted he never received anything near the alleged $280,000.

"…Martin also faced seven other counts - having an illegal gambling business, conspiracy to launder money, three counts of laundering money and two counts of using money from illegal activities - all of which were dropped as part of the plea agreement…"

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