Posted: Jul 29, 2010 12:33 PM
Updated: Jul 29, 2010 12:39 PM
TUCSON - University of Arizona administrative officials today responded to the NCAA Committee on Infractions report regarding the institution's men's basketball program.
The committee's report finalized penalties imposed on the program that included scholarship losses, reductions in official on-campus visits and evaluations, and vacating 19 victories from the 2007-08 season. The University will not appeal the decision.
"We're satisfied that the process has reached a conclusion," said Greg Byrne, UA director of athletics. "We have cooperated throughout and respect the findings of the committee. Now it's time for us to move forward with a focus on maintaining the highest standards of integrity within our entire athletics program."
The infractions in question occurred prior to head men's basketball coach Sean Miller's hiring in April of 2009. However, he was aware of the ongoing investigation at the time of his hire and continues to rebuild the heralded program. Coach Miller cited the department's efforts to deal with this in an open and honest fashion as one of the key factors in moving forward in a positive direction.
"I know that our university and athletic department went to great lengths to demonstrate institutional integrity in handling this matter, which includes our self-imposed sanctions," said Miller. "We are all looking forward to a bright future as we continue to develop and build our basketball program with integrity at the forefront of everything we strive to accomplish. I am very happy for our current players that today's sanctions won't affect their future, nor will it affect the prospects that we are currently recruiting to our great University."
UA president Robert N. Shelton's reaction to the findings was positive as well in light of the imposed penalties.
"I am pleased to have this matter resolved and am confident in the future of our basketball program under the leadership of Coach Miller," said Shelton.
"The UA is committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance and integrity in our athletics program."
The University will have no further comment at this time on the committee's report or penalties.
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