A little over a month ago, the University of Michigan’s chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu had its formal in Gaylord. Much to the dismay of the people of Gaylord and more importantly the owners of Treetops Resorts, SAMMY went hard. Like, really hard. Like not just trash, but completely obliterate the hotel room hard. The fraternity was originally quoted about $100,000 in damages. That figure, a month later, has risen to $430,000 — almost half a million dollars.
Barry Owens, Treetops general manager told Detroit Free Press:
“If you just look at our out-of-pocket expenses, things we’ve paid to contractors, third parties, it’s around $230,000. It doesn’t take into consideration management time or damage to the resort’s reputation. Our accountants and attorneys are saying that this could be up to an additional $200,000.
Owens explains that the fraternity has paid $25,000 thus far, but believes the fraternity is unwilling to pay the rest of the restitutions, despite an apology accepting full responsibility on its website.
We are embarrassed and ashamed of the behavior of a few of our chapter members at Treetops Resort over the weekend of January 17-18. This behavior is inconsistent with the values, policies, and practices of this organization. Our chapter accepts full responsibility for this incident and we will be working with the management of the resort to pay for all damages and cleaning costs. We will work within our own organization and with university officials to hold those who are responsible accountable for their actions.
After having damaged 45 rooms in the hotel, UM moved to suspend the fraternity for a period of time of at least four years. The people of Gaylord are hoping for criminal charges for the fraternity.
Yikes..
[via Detroit Free Press]