Michigan

Bill Martin apologizes for incidents

Angelique S. Chengelis / The Detroit News

Ann Arbor -- Michigan athletic director Bill Martin said he is apologetic for his behavior during two home football games this season that resulted in the filing of an incident report last month with the university's department of public safety.

On separate occasions, two university employees working security on the Regents Guest level of the Michigan Stadium press box did not allow Martin, who was unaware of a new security process, to enter the area. Each time he was without the proper credential and made physical contact with the employees to gain entrance.

The employees -- Michigan student Jackie Turner and Eastern Michigan student Arif Khan -- did not pursue criminal charges against Martin, according to documents. They were interviewed by University of Michigan Police three days before Martin announced he would retire, next year.

"I contacted those involved to discuss the situation and express my regret." Martin said Monday in a statement released by the Michigan athletic department.

"I know they were just doing their jobs."

According to Khan's statement, he was working the south stairwell of the press box during the Delaware State game Oct. 17 when Martin and his wife, Sally, approached the door leading to the Regents Guest area. Khan put his hand on the door to block their entrance and said he needed to see the required passes.

Khan, according to the report, said Martin became "upset" and used his right hand to grab Khan's windbreaker in the chest and pushed him slightly. Khan said Martin then told him, "I am the athletic director, I can go in," but Khan said Martin needed the proper credential.

At that point, according to the report, Martin grabbed the identification badge that was hanging around Khan's neck and Martin said, "I want to know your name." A University Development Events staff member then identified Martin as the athletic director and he was allowed to enter.

Turner was involved in an incident with Martin during the first half of the Notre Dame-Michigan game Sept. 12. Turner was assigned to the Regents Guest area at the north glass doors, which lead to the general seating area.

According to the statement, Turner said that just before halftime, she opened the door for several people to exit. Then, three white males wearing U-M polo shirts attempted to come through the doors into the Regents area. Turner said she stepped into the doorway and told the individual in front -- Martin -- that she needed to see his pass.

Turner said Martin put his right hand on her left shoulder and said, "Honey, I am the athletic director." She said he then pushed her on the left just hard enough to guide her out of the way. Turner did not resist in any way, she said in the report.