The Wiz of Odds

Bank of Ann Arbor, Bill Martin and the Wolverines

Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez and seven of his assistants have received $3.3 million in mortgages and lines of credit from the bank founded by Wolverine athletic director Bill Martin, the Detroit News reports.

Basektball coach John Beilein also received his mortgage at Bank of Ann Arbor. All totaled, 11 coaches have secured more than $4 million in loans from the bank where Martin is a shareholder and chairman of the board.

"I don't suggest banks to any coach," said Martin, pictured above. "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]."

Rich Rod's Business Partner Facing Felony Charges

One of Rich Rodriguez's business partners in a failed real estate venture that led to a $3.9 million lawsuit is facing five felony counts of breach of trust with fraudulent intent, Ann Arbor.com is reporting.

Clegg Lamar Greene, 71, was arrested Dec. 29. He is facing up to 10 years in prison on each count. Authorities allege he stole money from investors, including Rodriguez, to pay debts, buy furniture and have cosmetic surgery.

Rodriguez declined Tuesday to discuss his relationship with Greene.

"My financial advisor and his representatives are taking care of that, and I would prefer just to talk about football and Western [Michigan] and our upcoming game," Rodriguez said.

Greene, who lives in Clemson, S.C., has a checkered past. He was accused in 2000 of providing a $1,300 loan and use of a boat to two Clemson recruits. The university investigated, found two minor infractions, and banned Greene from the program.

A Clemson official said Greene was later reinstated only to be banned again.

Problems Escalate for Rich Rod — He's Being Sued

Michigan's Rich Rodriguez and four other investors are being sued for allegedly defaulting on a real estate loan to build condominiums near Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium.

According to the lawsuit, Rodriguez and his partners owe Nexity Bank $3.9 million, including interest and penalties. Rodriguez was served a summons and complaint in his office on Aug. 24, shortly after a Wolverine practice.

Mike Wilcox, who is Rich Rod's financial advisor, issued a statement Monday night saying the coach is a victim of a real estate Ponzi scheme.

Rich Rod Goes on the Offensive

Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez became emotional Monday while denying allegations that his program regularly violates NCAA rules on training and practice sessions. "We know the rules," Rodriguez said. "We go by the rules."

The Detroit Free Press story that detailed the alleged abuses sparked a probe by university officials. "We will have more to say on this as soon as we have completed our assessment," athletic director Bill Martin said in a statement.

A look at other coverage surrounding the allegations:

Michigan

All that practice time and the best the Wolverines could do in 2008 was 3-9? Rich Rodriguez sits squarely on the hot seat as he enters his second season as coach, but he is catching a break from the schedule-maker. Michigan plays its first four games at home and has eight overall. The only challenge in the first month will come in Week 2 when Notre Dame visits Ann Arbor. If the Wolverines can go 5-3 at home, all they will need to do is win one on the road to return to postseason play. Poster designed by Old Hat Creative.

Freep Reporters Give Their Side of Story

Detroit Free Press reporters Michael Rosenberg and Mark Snyder talk about their investigation of the Michigan program with Tom Leyden of Detroit's WXYZ. The reporters explain the reasons behind the use of anonymous sources.

Thanks to UMGoBlog and the Midwest Correspondent.