Report: NCAA Begins Inquiry Into Arizona, Head Coach Sean Miller
Arizona and head coach Sean Miller are "facing uncomfortable questions" as the NCAA begins its inquiry into the program on Monday, according to Yahoo Sports. The Wildcats are one of "nearly a dozen schools" expected to be investigated by the NCAA, per Yahoo Sports.
Miller came under fire in 2018 after an ESPN report claimed he "discussed paying $100,000" in exchange for Deandre Ayton's commitment to the program. Miller, now in his 10th year with the Wildcats, denied the report, saying he "never knowingly violated NCAA rules."
Last month, ex-Arizona assistant coach Emanuel "Book" Richardson pleaded guilty in the ongoing prosecution of the college basketball corruption case, telling the judge he accepted $20,000 in 2017 in exchange for a promise to steer student athletes potentially headed to the NBA to an aspiring business manager, Christian Dawkins, per the AP. Prosecutors said Richardson planned to use $15,000 of the money to entice one prized recruit to attend Arizona.
Dawkins was one of three found guilty of committing wire fraud in an October trial. Dawkins faces another trial in April, one that his lawyer told Yahoo Sports Dawkins has no intention of accepting a plea deal for.
The Wildcats enter Monday night 14–8, 5–4 Pac-12. They currently have the No. 1 recruiting class for 2019, according to the 247Sports team rankings.
