They can talk to the players forever. There is no criminal activity. Investigators have been aided by detailed records seized from Martin during a series of raids last month by federal agents armed with search warrants, according to persons familiar with the case. A federal grand jury is looking into the Martin affair, and former players and others were expected to be called before the panel. A grand jury is vested with extraordinary powers, and people can be jailed for refusing to testify or for lying under oath.
People can sometimes avoid going before the grand jury by agreeing to meet with investigators.
While that's not as intimidating as a grand jury, it is nonetheless a crime to lie to federal agents. Federal and university officials are checking out reports that Martin, a retired Ford Motor Co. electrician, made improper gifts and loans to players and their relatives. Martin also is under federal scrutiny in connection with suspected illegal numbers operations at Detroit area auto plants. Martin's home, as well as that of his son and a number of alleged associates, were raided in April by FBI and Internal Revenue Service agents looking for gambling evidence. Bullock finished his U-M career last season.