Arizona on Saturday has a chance to wrap up at least a share of the Pac-12 regular-season crown, but for now that possibility has lost importance.
The school announced Sean Miller would not coach the team after an ESPN story Friday reported Miller was caught on FBI wiretap discussing a $100,000 payment for Deandre Ayton to play for the Wildcats. Ayton signed with Arizona and is a freshman on this year's team.
"I believe it is in the best interest of our team that I not coach the game tonight," Miller said in a statement. "I continue to fully support the University's efforts to fully investigate this matter and am confident that I will be vindicated. For now, my thoughts are with our team. They are a great group of young men that will support each other and continue their pursuit of winning a Pac-12 championship.
The school did clear Ayton to play. Associate coach Lorenzo Romar will take Miller's place.
The taped conversation involving Miller is part an ongoing federal investigation into college basketball recruiting. Former Arizona assistant Emanuel 'Book' Richardson has been arrested in the case.
Chairman of the Arizona Board of Regents Bill Ridenour released a statement Saturday regarding Miller. It read:
The Arizona Board of Regents is very concerned by the media reports regarding allegations against the University of Arizona Men’s Basketball. The board met in emergency executive session today to receive legal advice regarding the issue and plans to reconvene for updates and legal advice in the coming days.
The board holds the highest expectations for a culture of excellence in our intercollegiate athletic programs. Leadership, integrity and honor are core values to advance success and to support our student athletes. These premiums must not be compromised.
The board is confident UA President Robbins will uphold UA’s commitment to its core values and the UA family. Equally, the board is committed to acting in the best interest of our universities.
This is an emotionally charged issue but it is essential that we move forward decisively and based on facts. We must do everything we can to ensure that our programs are of the highest caliber as we must also protect the rights of all involved and respect due process for employees.
The board is reviewing its oversight of athletics and has been making reforms to its policies to ensure greater public accountability.
The board is committed to meeting in the next several days as new information becomes available and to receive additional legal advice.
