U-M's Bill Martin apologizes for two incidents at games

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. Martin, on each occasion 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.

"I contacted those involved to discuss the situation and express my regret," Martin said Monday evening 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 Kahn's windbreaker in the chest and pushed him slightly. Kahn said Martin then told him, "I am the athletic director, I can go in," but Kahn said Martin needed the proper credential.

At that point, according to the report, Martin grabbed Kahn's identification badge that was hanging around his neck and Martin said, "I want to know your name." At that point, a University Development Events staff member identified Martin as the athletic director and was then 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 of Michigan Stadium.

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

Public affairs received a fax from Martin on Monday in which he explained his view of the events.

"For the previous eight seasons at Michigan Stadium, the entrance to the area to the RGA (Regents Guest Area) had a uniformed DPS/security person stationed who recognized me and let me pass through," Martin said in the fax. "I don't remember details of the interaction with the employee on Sept. 13, but on Oct. 17, Sally and I were stopped by a person who did not have the DPS regular blue uniform on.

"I identified myself as the athletic director and Sally showed him her all-access pass, but he said the all-access pass no longer allowed entry into the RGA. I was not aware the RGA security process had changes. It was a frustrating situation, and one I should have handled differently."

Kelly Cunningham, director of the office of public affairs also released a statement regarding the situation and indicated Martin was not aware of the new security procedure.

"The change caused unnecessary confusion and we are working to improve the process for future games," Cunningham said. "The employees were satisfied with the follow-up and the matter has been resolved. The Department of Public Safety has closed the file."

Martin announced his retirement Oct. 21, effective Sept. 4, 2010.