Truth & Rumors > NCAAB

'Zona: Olson under NCAA investigation

Views
1099
Comments
8

University of Arizona basketball coach Lute Olson is under investigation for possible NCAA violations, according to UA officials. UA on July 2 reported an apparent violation of NCAA rules regarding soliciting donations, said Athletic Director Jim Livengood in a statement Monday afternoon. A letter was sent this spring to the Rebounders Club board of directors from Olson's office encouraging them to donate to an amateur basketball exhibition tournament at UA, according to Livengood's report. The letter was printed over Olson's electronic signature and went out marked "personal and confidential," according to the report Livengood sent to Ron Barker, the associate commissioner of the Pac-10 conference. NCAA rules prohibit institutional representatives from arranging financial assistance for or paying costs of prospective student athletes. Bill Morgan, UA director of athletic compliance, received the letter April 10 and "immediately contacted the Pac-10 Conference," according to Livengood's report. The letter, which referred to the Arizona Cactus Classic, read in part: "This tournament brings some of the to players in the country to Tucson and is very critical for our recruiting. -- To ensure the future of this tournament, Jim (Storey) needs support from private donations." Storey runs the Cactus Classic. Olson "adamantly denied" knowledge of the letter being sent and later sent a retraction, Livengood reported.

Arizona Republic

Lute Olson, Chris Graythen/Getty Images Lute Olson, Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Comments (8) Add A Comment

September 16, 2008  08:58 AM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE

lol....
why not just retire Lute?
You had a PHENOMINAL career.....built a program.....won titles......
enjoy your golden years & your family.

September 16, 2008  09:17 AM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE

Yeah, either he is full-on senile, a lying ****, or someone is sending out letters with his name on them without his approval. I figure options 1 and 3 are the most likely, since he's always seemed like a decent guy. So someone needs to lose their job, either batty ol' Lute if he's gone off the deep end or the letter sender who used his name under false pretenses and managed to get the program investigated for it.

September 16, 2008  09:43 AM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE
QUOTE(#1):
Originally posted 08:58 AM ET  09.16 by jgb

lol....why not just retire Lute?You had a PHENOMINAL career.....built a program.....won titles......enjoy your golden years & your family.

TITLES????? TITLES?????? By my count he has ONE.....PAC-10 conference titles don't count. Man, if a divorce from his trophy wife sets him off, he will probably need to take the next 3 years off.

September 16, 2008  10:26 AM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE

This never would have happened if Lute Olson were still alive.....

September 16, 2008  11:01 AM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE

A moment of silence................................................

September 16, 2008  04:01 PM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE

Uh-Oh

September 16, 2008  11:28 PM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE

come on man, cut the old guy some slack
just look at the hair
how cool is that

 
September 17, 2008  11:47 PM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE

Its time for Lute Olson to retire....he can't control his players; can't control his prima donna attitude; and now this. Time for Lute to take his hair and head towards the golf course in lieu of more player legal issues, more NCAA investigations and more destruction of good coaches while he discussed divorce with his attorney.

Comment

Remember to keep your posts clean. Profanity will get filtered, and offensive comments will be removed.


Send us feedback about the new site here Send us feedback about the new site here

Stub Hub

The 2008 schedule has been released. Search for tickets!

Truth & Rumors

MOST POPULAR

  1. 1
    Giants open to Plaxico return
    Views
    5901
    Comments
    1627
  2. 2
    Pedroia could have held out for more
    Views
    4505
    Comments
    1004
  3. 3
    Why Notre Dame kept Weis
    Views
    16195
    Comments
    119
  4. 4
    Emmitt: Current Cowboys just 'mediocre'
    Views
    637
    Comments
    109
  5. 5
    Stars don't want Avery back
    Views
    7199
    Comments
    102

Most Active Users

Comments + Blog Posts + Throwdowns

  1. 1
    _ _ _ _ _
  2. 2
    bcoltrinari
  3. 3
    Epoch1
  4. 4
    Dyhard: Big 10/ACC Challenge
  5. 5
    Homey Deez

Message Boards

  1. NCAAF > General NCAAF

    BCS just declared Germany the…
    Views
    107
    Replies
    17

  2. NFL > Green Bay Packers

    Fire Packer Management/Coach
    Views
    100
    Replies
    3

  3. NCAAF > General NCAAF

    BCS-Simple Way to a…
    Views
    31
    Replies
    3

Blogs

SI.com

Swimsuit

Danica PatrckDanica Patrck
Christina ParkerChristina Parker

SI Photos

O.J. Simpson's Fall from GraceO.J. Simpson's Fall from Grace
Cheerleader of the WeekCheerleader of the Week