UM: Banking

The Detroit News reports that several UM coaches have mortgages or lines of credit with the Bank of Ann Arbor, a business which athletic director Bill Martin helped found. He currently serves as chairman of its board of directors. According to the article, the “disclosures raise questions about whether Martin can be objective about the coaches’ performance at U-M when their dismissal could affect their ability to repay the bank.” Says Martin: “I don’t suggest banks to any coach. I don’t ever get involved in their financial affairs in any way, shape or form. I believe it would be a conflict of interest (to do so).” [Source]