STORRS — The University of Connecticut confirms it is the target of an NCAA investigation into its men’s basketball program.
University President Susan Herbst, in a statement released Friday morning, says the school is committed to “a culture of compliance” and intends to fully cooperate with the investigation in a “thorough and transparent manner.”
The school says it was already conducting an internal investigation after receiving allegations last fall and retained a law firm that specializes in athletics compliance.
Hearst Connecticut Media, which first reported news of the investigation, cited unidentified sources saying they were related to recruiting.
Coach Kevin Ollie is in the second year of a five-year $17.9-million contract that can be voided for “just cause.”
UConn is 11-9 this season after going 16-17 a year ago, the team’s first losing season in 30 years.
UConn said in a statement:
The NCAA has notified UConn of an inquiry into its men’s basketball program. We are working closely with the NCAA’s enforcement division as they conduct this inquiry.
Based on our own, NCAA-mandated internal review following allegations directed at men’s basketball programs last fall, we had already retained Lightfoot, Franklin and White to assist us in a review of our men’s basketball program. We will continue to work with them during the NCAA inquiry. Lightfoot, Franklin and White is a respected firm and national leader in NCAA athletics compliance.
The University and its Athletic Department are committed to a culture of compliance with all NCAA regulations. We will appropriately address and respond to this inquiry and continue cooperating fully with the NCAA as this process moves forward. Until that time, we will have no further comment.
“UConn is absolutely committed to a culture of compliance and intends to fully cooperate, as always, with the NCAA. We will do so in a thorough and transparent manner reflective of the model athletic and academic institution we continually strive to be,” says President Susan Herbst.
