3/6/2000- New Interim Athletic Director

Last week University President Lee Bollinger named Ann Arbor Businessman Bill Martin as interim Athletic Director.  Martin (no relation to the infamous booster Ed Martin) is expected to hold the position until a permanent replacement for outgoing Athletic Director Tom Goss can be named.  Martin isn't a candidate for the permanent position.  He promises "...to implement whatever steps are necessary.." Well, I don't know what that means considering that the academic year is winding down and the permanent replacement is scheduled to be in place by September 1st.  In my opinion, there are two words that I want to be able to describe Bill Martin's tenure as Athletic Director when he's done- quite and competent.  

I think we've had enough chaos in the athletic department to last us for quite a awhile.  

But on the other hand...You have to wonder if  Lee Bollinger has brought in a hatchet man to make some tough decisions so the new Athletic Director can come in with a clean slate.  Think back to how much easier it would have been for Tom Goss if Bollinger (or Roberson) had fired Steve Fisher before Goss came on the job.  As it was, Tom Goss started his tenure with the controversial firing of a popular UM coach.  His mishandling of the situation instantly energized a vocal group of Alumni against him.  If Bollinger has decided that Brian Ellerbe must go then look for Martin to pull the trigger.  

The question becomes how much responsibility does Lee Bollinger place on Brian Ellerbe for off-the-court problems that have come to light in the last year?


Is Ellerbe on the hot seat?

GO BLUE!

UMGoBlue.COM Editor-in-Chief, Phil Callihan