Robert Webber Bio: The Infamous Ed Martin Scandal

The name Robert Traylor may not ring a bell for many sports enthusiasts, but his college basketball career was marred by controversy. As one of the four players involved in the infamous Ed Martin scandal at the University of Michigan, Traylor's legacy is forever tainted by allegations of corruption and deceit.

In 2002, the NCAA investigation revealed that Traylor, along with Chris Webber, Maurice Taylor, and Louis Bullock, had received a total of $616,000 from booster Eddie L. Martin, a close friend of the program. The money was reportedly used to fund their personal expenses, including cars, jewelry, and other luxury items.

The scandal began when an automobile accident involving Michigan player Maurice Taylor led investigators to discover a curious relationship between Martin and the university's basketball program dating back to the 1980s. An initial investigation by the school was joined by the NCAA, Big Ten Conference, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ).

As a result of the scandal, Michigan placed its basketball program on two years' probation, withdrew from postseason consideration for the 2002-03 season, vacated all or part of five past seasons, and removed the players' names and achievements from its record book. Coach Steve Fisher was fired in 1997 due to his involvement in violations related to the scandal.

Robert Traylor, who played for Michigan from 1995 to 1999, eventually confessed to taking loans from Martin. His involvement in the scandal not only tarnished his college basketball career but also had long-lasting consequences on his personal and professional life.

The Ed Martin scandal is one of the largest incidents involving payments to athletes in American collegiate history. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of corruption and the importance of maintaining ethical standards in sports.

Today, Robert Traylor's legacy is still debated among basketball enthusiasts and college athletics experts. While his accomplishments on the court are undeniable, his involvement in the Ed Martin scandal has forever changed the way we view his career.

Robert webber bio