NCAA rules Shabazz Muhammad ineligible for UCLA's opener

The NCAA ruled UCLA freshman Shabazz Muhammad ineligible for the Bruins' opener. (Sam Forencich/NBA via Getty Images)

The NCAA has not cleared UCLA freshman Shabazz Muhammad to play in the season-opener on Friday night against Indiana State, the school has released.

The NCAA has finally determined that a violation of the NCAA amateurism rules has occurred involving UCLA freshman guard Shabazz Muhammad and his family. As a result, he is ineligible for competition at this time. We are extremely disappointed that the NCAA has made this determination.

The NCAA released this statement revealing that Muhammad accepted travel and lodging during three unofficial visits to two NCAA member institutions -- Duke and North Carolina, according to CBSSports.com, as well as other "pending issues."

Muhammad, one of the top freshman players in the country, was not permitted to play with the Bruins on their trip to China this summer while the NCAA investigated possible financial dealings between his family and financial advisers Benjamin Lincoln and Ken Kavanagh.

Lincoln's brother, Geoff Lincoln, is an assistant coach for Muhammad's Bishop Gorman high school team in Las Vegas.

is arguably the top freshman in the entire country. CBSSports.com documented the concerns back in February with a two financial advisors. Muhammad was not allowed to play in the team's summer trip to China and the 6-foot-6 wing and has missed extensive practice time dealing tithe ankle and shoulder injuries.

There was some thought to the fact that even if Muhammad was cleared in time for Friday night's game, he wouldn't be able to play due to the shoulder injury. However, once source close to the situation said that he'd "definitely give it a go", especially with the scrutiny he's been under for much of the past year.