Sports360AZ
The Arizona men’s basketball program has self-imposed a one-year postseason ban as a result of its 2017 recruiting violation scandal.
In a release from the athletic department, the school had this to say:
“The University of Arizona is self-imposing a one-year postseason ban on the UA Men’s Basketball program as a proactive measure in its ongoing NCAA enforcement process. The decision is an acknowledgement that the NCAA’s investigation revealed that certain former members of the MBB staff displayed serious lapses in judgment and a departure from the University’s expectation of honest and ethical behavior. It is also in accord with the penalty guidelines of the NCAA for the type of violations involved. This decision also reinforces the institution’s commitment to accountability and integrity as well as serving the best long-term interests of the University and the Men’s Basketball program.”
In October, the program got word of nine NCAA violations, five of which were deemed Level I allegations due to corruption while recruiting involving former assistant coach Emanuel “Book” Richardson. Other results of the scandal included an indefinite suspension for former assistant Mark Phelps.
“The decision to self-impose a postseason ban was extremely difficult, as we recognize the impact that it has on our current student-athletes,” said Athletic Director Dave Heeke. “We will continue to cooperate fully with the NCAA enforcement process and continue to support the hard-working young men in our Men’s Basketball program.”
As for the current team that will not be playing in March, the Wildcats are 7-1 and coming off a 14-point victory last night against Colorado.
“I understand and fully support the University’s decision to self-impose a one-year post season ban on our Men’s Basketball program,” said head coach Sean Miller. “Our team will remain united and aggressively compete to win a Pac-12 championship.”
