The University of Arizona has confirmed that the school’s basketball program is under investigation by the NCAA.
In a response to a request for clarification from the Arizona Daily Star in Tucson, school officials confirmed on Friday a previously undisclosed and ongoing investigation by the governing body of collegiate athletics.
During a recent corruption trial, federal prosecutors in New York played wiretap recordings mentioning men’s basketball coach Sean Miller. Those recordings reportedly said that Miller paid, or intended to pay, former player DeAndre Ayton $10,000 a month while he was enrolled at UA, which is a violation of NCAA rules.
The team could be forced to vacate wins and its NCAA Tournament appearance from the 2017-18 season if the NCAA proves allegations that players improperly accepted money.
