Mich. U Reported Facing Sanctions

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Michigan baseball program appears on the way to Big Ten probation and sanctions, the first time any athletic program at the school has been cited, because of alleged illegal payments to former players, sources said.

Former Coach Bud Middaugh is suspected of paying up to $70,000 over a period of years and allowing improper scholarship aid, sources said.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said investigation into the program could result in three years’ probation by the Big Ten conference, as well as a ban on post-season play and television appearances, reduced recruiting and lost scholarships.

It would be the first blemish of any kind on any Michigan athletic team in the university’s history.