http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hF34cO1hSm7l_IhuVsy7eGlRx4KwD9766B2O0
BOSTON (AP) — Dante Cunningham scored 14 points with 11 rebounds and third-seeded Villanova beat Duke for the first time in more than 50 years, taking advantage of the Blue Devils' poor shooting to win 77-54 Thursday night and advance to the NCAA regional final.
The Wildcats (29-7) will play Big East rival Pittsburgh (31-4), the top seed in the East, on Saturday for a trip to the Final Four.
Duke (30-7), which spent a week at No. 1 in the nation earlier this season, failed to reach the round of eight for the fifth consecutive year.
Kyle Singler scored 15 and Jon Scheyer had 13 for the second-seeded Blue Devils. But Scheyer and Gerald Henderson combined to make just four of 32 attempts as Duke shot a season-low 26.7 percent from the floor.
Villanova was playing on the tournament's second weekend for the fourth time in five years, but Jay Wright's Wildcats have yet to reach the Final Four. But the fans could sense another chance, chanting "We want Pitt!" when Corey Stokes hit a 3-pointer with 2:27 left to give Villanova a 71-50 lead — its biggest thus far in the game.
Villanova, which set a school record with its 29th win, beat Pitt 67-57 in their regular-season meeting at Philadelphia on Jan. 28 when the Panthers were the No. 3 team in the country.
But rankings and seeds have meant little to the Wildcats: No team in tournament history has won more games against higher seeds. The Wildcats are 14-12 as a lower seed since 1979, including their 1985 run to the national championship as a No. 8 seed — the lowest ever to win it all.
Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, already the winningest coach in tournament history, became the all-time leader in NCAA games coached with 93 — one more than Dean Smith, though the current format with six full rounds has only been in place since 1985. But it became obvious early on that he wouldn't be padding his lead.
After jumping to a 5-0 lead, Duke gave up the next 11 points and never led again. The Blue Devils trailed 26-23 and hit the first basket of the second half, but Villanova scored 12 of the next 13.
Worse, the 3-point shooting that got Duke past Binghamton and Texas abandoned the Blue Devils against the Wildcats. After making 45 percent and 50 percent of their 3s in the first two tournament games, Duke hit three of their first 18 attempts and 5-of-27 overall.
The Blue Devils had beaten Villanova five straight times since the Wildcats' last victory in 1958.
Scottie Reynolds scored 16 and Reggie Redding had 11 points and nine rebounds as Villanova won the rebounding battle 49-34.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Officer delayed Moats as relative died
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4017382
DALLAS -- A police officer was placed on administrative leave Thursday over a traffic stop involving an NFL player whom he kept in a hospital parking lot and threatened to arrest while his mother-in-law died inside the building.
Officer Robert Powell also drew his gun during the March 18 incident involving Houston Texans running back Ryan Moats in the Dallas suburb of Plano, police said.
Moats
"I can screw you over," he said at one point in the videotaped incident. When another officer came with word that Moats' mother-in-law was indeed dying, Powell's response was: "All right. I'm almost done."
Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle apologized to the family and announced that Powell would be on paid leave pending an internal investigation.
"When we at the command staff reviewed the tape, we were embarrassed, disappointed," Kunkle said. "It's hard to find the right word and still be professional in my role as the police chief. But the behavior was not appropriate."
Powell, 25, a three-year member of the force, stopped Moats' SUV outside Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano after Moats rolled through a red light.
Police officials said Powell told his commanders he believed he was doing his job, and that he drew his gun but did not point it. Kunkle said Powell was not necessarily acting improperly when he pulled his weapon out, but that once he realized what was happening should have put the gun back, apologized and offered to help the family in any way.
"His behavior, in my opinion, did not exhibit the common sense, the discretion, the compassion that we expect our officers to exhibit," Kunkle said.
Moats' wife, who was in the car along with other relatives, said Powell pointed his weapon at her.
Video: NFL player pulled over
On the Web site of the Dallas Morning News, video from a police dashboard camera shows a Dallas police officer stopping Texans running back Ryan Moats in front of the hospital where his mother-in-law lay dying of cancer. Watch
"He was pointing a gun at me as soon as I got out of the car," Tamishia Moats told The Dallas Morning News.
Ryan Moats told KRLD-FM in Dallas in a phone interview Thursday that after the officer pointed the gun at his wife, he pointed it at him. "I just tried to stay as still as possible to not scare him or do anything to make him react," he said.
He earlier told the newspaper he thought Powell should be fired but backed off that in his radio interview.
"All I know is what he did was wrong," Moats said. "He stole a moment away from me that I can never get back. I'm really not the judge on what should happen to him."
DALLAS -- A police officer was placed on administrative leave Thursday over a traffic stop involving an NFL player whom he kept in a hospital parking lot and threatened to arrest while his mother-in-law died inside the building.
Officer Robert Powell also drew his gun during the March 18 incident involving Houston Texans running back Ryan Moats in the Dallas suburb of Plano, police said.
Moats
"I can screw you over," he said at one point in the videotaped incident. When another officer came with word that Moats' mother-in-law was indeed dying, Powell's response was: "All right. I'm almost done."
Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle apologized to the family and announced that Powell would be on paid leave pending an internal investigation.
"When we at the command staff reviewed the tape, we were embarrassed, disappointed," Kunkle said. "It's hard to find the right word and still be professional in my role as the police chief. But the behavior was not appropriate."
Powell, 25, a three-year member of the force, stopped Moats' SUV outside Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano after Moats rolled through a red light.
Police officials said Powell told his commanders he believed he was doing his job, and that he drew his gun but did not point it. Kunkle said Powell was not necessarily acting improperly when he pulled his weapon out, but that once he realized what was happening should have put the gun back, apologized and offered to help the family in any way.
"His behavior, in my opinion, did not exhibit the common sense, the discretion, the compassion that we expect our officers to exhibit," Kunkle said.
Moats' wife, who was in the car along with other relatives, said Powell pointed his weapon at her.
Video: NFL player pulled over
On the Web site of the Dallas Morning News, video from a police dashboard camera shows a Dallas police officer stopping Texans running back Ryan Moats in front of the hospital where his mother-in-law lay dying of cancer. Watch
"He was pointing a gun at me as soon as I got out of the car," Tamishia Moats told The Dallas Morning News.
Ryan Moats told KRLD-FM in Dallas in a phone interview Thursday that after the officer pointed the gun at his wife, he pointed it at him. "I just tried to stay as still as possible to not scare him or do anything to make him react," he said.
He earlier told the newspaper he thought Powell should be fired but backed off that in his radio interview.
"All I know is what he did was wrong," Moats said. "He stole a moment away from me that I can never get back. I'm really not the judge on what should happen to him."
Billy Gillispie fired - breaking news
LOL, got ya!! Not yet. Rumors are that UK will be holding a press conference today. I have been a backer on firing Billy. With that said, I am now sort of defending him. If UK hires a coach equal or less of his ability, the AD should also be fired. UK needs a top notch coach; nothing more, nothing less.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Future of Gillispie unknown
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=290840087
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- By the time Jodie Meeks got going for Kentucky, Notre Dame was all but packing its bags for New York.
The Irish were up by 15 points before Meeks made his second basket, on just his fourth shot with 12:18 left in the game, and the Irish survived a 17-5 run late by the Wildcats to end a 10-game losing streak to Kentucky with a 77-67 victory Wednesday night to advance to the National Invitation Tournament semifinals.
"They did a great job of guarding him," said Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie, whose focus over the last week has been tested by talk of his job being on the line. "You think about what he's been through all season, as far as the physical stress, the mental stress, he's handled it well."
Kentucky president Lee Todd, who attended the game, declined to comment on Gillispie's job status. A Kentucky source tells ESPN.com that "nothing should happen Thursday" in terms of an announcement on Gillispie's future.
Todd is not departing South Bend until Thursday, which would seem to be a prime factor in why no announcement on Gillispie would come before Friday, a Kentucky source told ESPN.com's Pat Forde.
Gillispie said the speculation about his job security wasn't a distraction.
"I do one thing. I always stay focused. I take care of my task at hand," he said. "That's what I always have done and that's what I will do."
Asked about how he feels about all the judgment he's facing after posing a 40-27 record in two seasons at Kentucky, Gillispie said: "There's only one judgment I'll ever be concerned about, and I hope I pass that judgment. That's the only one I'll ever be concerned about, and I'm really proud that that's the only judgment that will ever have a real effect on me, and I hope I pass that one with flying colors."
Gillispie declined to answer when asked whose judgment he was referring to, saying it was obvious, apparently referring to Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart.
On the court, Kentucky had no answer for Luke Harangody, who had 30 points and 11 rebounds for Notre Dame (21-14).
"He was pretty much scoring all over the court," said Kentucky forward Patrick Patterson, who guarded Harangody.
Notre Dame coach Mike Brey, meanwhile, said the Irish threw a variety of defenders at Meeks, who finished with 21 points on 6-of-10 shooting, although Ryan Ayers had the most success against Meeks.
"He only had three shots in the first half," Brey said. "But a guy like that, he got going a little bit in the second half. But overall I thought we did a really good job."
Kentucky (22-14) cut the lead to 67-62 on a slam dunk by Perry Stevenson with 2:42 left. But the Irish were 8-of-8 from the free-throw line over the final 1:29 to end the game on a 10-5 run to hang on.
"We're all super excited," said Notre Dame guard Kyle McAlarney, who added 15 points. "This was our goal coming into the NIT. We put all the talk about us getting to the NCAAs way behind us and we focused on getting back to New York."
The Irish, who hit 12 3-pointers in the win, will face Penn State (25-11) Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.
A large number of Kentucky fans, including its pep band, made the trip to South Bend, which is about 325 miles away from Lexington. It appeared about a quarter of the 7,636 fans were wearing Kentucky blue. When Meeks hit a pair of 3-pointers midway through the second half to cut Notre Dame's lead to 52-41, the Kentucky fans started chanted "Go big blue."
They were quickly drown out by Notre Dame fans chanting: "Let's go Irish."
"They brought their band and cheerleaders like a high school game," Harangody said. "It was kind of fun, the fans going back and forth. It was neat. It was a good crowd."
The scene was reminiscent of when red-clad Nebraska fans filled about a third of Notre Dame Stadium for a football game in 2000 and chanted: "Husker, home game!"
It was Notre Dame's first win over the Wildcats since an 80-67 victory in 1990 during Rick Pitino's first year as Kentucky coach.
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- By the time Jodie Meeks got going for Kentucky, Notre Dame was all but packing its bags for New York.
The Irish were up by 15 points before Meeks made his second basket, on just his fourth shot with 12:18 left in the game, and the Irish survived a 17-5 run late by the Wildcats to end a 10-game losing streak to Kentucky with a 77-67 victory Wednesday night to advance to the National Invitation Tournament semifinals.
"They did a great job of guarding him," said Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie, whose focus over the last week has been tested by talk of his job being on the line. "You think about what he's been through all season, as far as the physical stress, the mental stress, he's handled it well."
Kentucky president Lee Todd, who attended the game, declined to comment on Gillispie's job status. A Kentucky source tells ESPN.com that "nothing should happen Thursday" in terms of an announcement on Gillispie's future.
Todd is not departing South Bend until Thursday, which would seem to be a prime factor in why no announcement on Gillispie would come before Friday, a Kentucky source told ESPN.com's Pat Forde.
Gillispie said the speculation about his job security wasn't a distraction.
"I do one thing. I always stay focused. I take care of my task at hand," he said. "That's what I always have done and that's what I will do."
Asked about how he feels about all the judgment he's facing after posing a 40-27 record in two seasons at Kentucky, Gillispie said: "There's only one judgment I'll ever be concerned about, and I hope I pass that judgment. That's the only one I'll ever be concerned about, and I'm really proud that that's the only judgment that will ever have a real effect on me, and I hope I pass that one with flying colors."
Gillispie declined to answer when asked whose judgment he was referring to, saying it was obvious, apparently referring to Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart.
On the court, Kentucky had no answer for Luke Harangody, who had 30 points and 11 rebounds for Notre Dame (21-14).
"He was pretty much scoring all over the court," said Kentucky forward Patrick Patterson, who guarded Harangody.
Notre Dame coach Mike Brey, meanwhile, said the Irish threw a variety of defenders at Meeks, who finished with 21 points on 6-of-10 shooting, although Ryan Ayers had the most success against Meeks.
"He only had three shots in the first half," Brey said. "But a guy like that, he got going a little bit in the second half. But overall I thought we did a really good job."
Kentucky (22-14) cut the lead to 67-62 on a slam dunk by Perry Stevenson with 2:42 left. But the Irish were 8-of-8 from the free-throw line over the final 1:29 to end the game on a 10-5 run to hang on.
"We're all super excited," said Notre Dame guard Kyle McAlarney, who added 15 points. "This was our goal coming into the NIT. We put all the talk about us getting to the NCAAs way behind us and we focused on getting back to New York."
The Irish, who hit 12 3-pointers in the win, will face Penn State (25-11) Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.
A large number of Kentucky fans, including its pep band, made the trip to South Bend, which is about 325 miles away from Lexington. It appeared about a quarter of the 7,636 fans were wearing Kentucky blue. When Meeks hit a pair of 3-pointers midway through the second half to cut Notre Dame's lead to 52-41, the Kentucky fans started chanted "Go big blue."
They were quickly drown out by Notre Dame fans chanting: "Let's go Irish."
"They brought their band and cheerleaders like a high school game," Harangody said. "It was kind of fun, the fans going back and forth. It was neat. It was a good crowd."
The scene was reminiscent of when red-clad Nebraska fans filled about a third of Notre Dame Stadium for a football game in 2000 and chanted: "Husker, home game!"
It was Notre Dame's first win over the Wildcats since an 80-67 victory in 1990 during Rick Pitino's first year as Kentucky coach.
Senate panel to tackle BCS hearings
http://www.boston.com/sports/other_sports/articles/2009/03/26/senate_panel_to_tackle_bcs_hearings/
President Obama and many others have criticized how college football determines its top team. Now senators are getting off the sidelines to examine antitrust issues involving the Bowl Championship Series. The current system "leaves nearly half of all the teams in college football at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to qualifying for the millions of dollars paid out every year," the Senate Judiciary's subcommittee on antitrust, competition policy, and consumer rights said in a statement yesterday announcing the hearings. Under the BCS, some conferences get automatic bids to participate in series, while others do not. Many favor a playoff-type system to determine the national champion. The BCS features a championship game between the top teams in the BCS standings, based on polls and computer ratings . . . Connecticut's Donald Brown, the nation's leading rusher, showed off some of his skills in front of representatives of 21 NFL teams, including Patriots coach Bill Belichick and San Diego general manger A.J. Smith, at UConn's practice facility in Storrs. Brown was one of a dozen Huskies taking part in the school's largest pro scouting day . . . The New York Jets signed free agent cornerback Donald Strickland . . . The Chicago Bears and offensive tackle Kevin Shaffer, who started 47 games for the Cleveland Browns the past three seasons, agreed to terms on a three-year contract . . . Charles Rogers, the second pick overall in the 2003 draft, went to jail in Pontiac, Mich., choosing to be locked up for 30 days, with credit for 15 days served, instead of staying in an intensive drug counseling program after violating probation in a domestic violence case . . . The US Department of Labor filed complaints accusing suspended NFL star Michael Vick of illegally spending about $1.3 million in pension plan funds for his own benefit, including paying restitution ordered in his dogfighting conspiracy case. Vick attorney Mark Lichtenstein declined comment.
President Obama and many others have criticized how college football determines its top team. Now senators are getting off the sidelines to examine antitrust issues involving the Bowl Championship Series. The current system "leaves nearly half of all the teams in college football at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to qualifying for the millions of dollars paid out every year," the Senate Judiciary's subcommittee on antitrust, competition policy, and consumer rights said in a statement yesterday announcing the hearings. Under the BCS, some conferences get automatic bids to participate in series, while others do not. Many favor a playoff-type system to determine the national champion. The BCS features a championship game between the top teams in the BCS standings, based on polls and computer ratings . . . Connecticut's Donald Brown, the nation's leading rusher, showed off some of his skills in front of representatives of 21 NFL teams, including Patriots coach Bill Belichick and San Diego general manger A.J. Smith, at UConn's practice facility in Storrs. Brown was one of a dozen Huskies taking part in the school's largest pro scouting day . . . The New York Jets signed free agent cornerback Donald Strickland . . . The Chicago Bears and offensive tackle Kevin Shaffer, who started 47 games for the Cleveland Browns the past three seasons, agreed to terms on a three-year contract . . . Charles Rogers, the second pick overall in the 2003 draft, went to jail in Pontiac, Mich., choosing to be locked up for 30 days, with credit for 15 days served, instead of staying in an intensive drug counseling program after violating probation in a domestic violence case . . . The US Department of Labor filed complaints accusing suspended NFL star Michael Vick of illegally spending about $1.3 million in pension plan funds for his own benefit, including paying restitution ordered in his dogfighting conspiracy case. Vick attorney Mark Lichtenstein declined comment.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Vick leaves jail - likely for bankruptcy hearing
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9321744/Vick-leaves-prison,-likely-for-bankruptcy-hearing
Vick was at the Federal Transfer Center in Oklahoma City on Wednesday afternoon, U.S. Bureau of Prisons spokeswoman Felicia Ponce said. The bureau's Web site simply listed Vick as being "in transit" and Ponce said she could not disclose the inmate's ultimate destination until he arrives.
It was not clear when Vick left the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan. Two weeks ago, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Frank Santoro demanded that Vick testify at an April 2 hearing in Newport News about whether his Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan should be confirmed.
Another judge issued a court order directing federal marshals to bring the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback to Virginia for the hearing. It was unclear how long Vick would be at the Oklahoma facility and when he might arrive in Virginia.
Vick's attorneys did not immediately return phone messages left by The Associated Press.
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Vick leaves prison; likely off to hearing
Top stories | Rumors | Video | Photos Vick is serving 23 months for bankrolling a dogfighting conspiracy. He is eligible to move into home confinement no earlier than May 21 and is scheduled to be released from custody July 20.
Vick will likely be kept in a southeastern Virginia jail until the hearing, but it wasn't known which one. Newport News Sheriff Gabe Morgan said he had not been notified that Vick would be staying in the city jail, but it was possible Vick and federal marshals would show up unannounced.
The judge overseeing Vick's bankruptcy case rejected the idea of allowing testimony by video hookup, saying he needed Vick in the courtroom so he could assess his demeanor and credibility.
Longer season in the NFL ?
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4015357
DANA POINT, Calif. -- More games that count, perhaps as early as August 2011? That's exactly what NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wants.
There are several hurdles before the league can expand its regular season from 16 to 17 or 18 games. Among them is reaching a new collective bargaining agreement with the players' union.
Still, the commissioner hopes to present a proposal to the owners in May after the matter was discussed at length this week at the owners meetings.
"It's possible that we could vote in May, but we want to have core discussions on this," Goodell said Wednesday. "Anytime you have change, there is some reluctance. But it's clear we don't need four preseason games anymore."
Goodell said the league has not seriously discussed the subject with its broadcast partners. He couldn't imagine them not being interested in more meaningful games.
"I think the quality of NFL programming, that every one of our network partners would say, if they have the chance to have more regular-season programming, they'd be interested in it," Goodell said. "A key point is the fans also recognize players they want to see are not in those preseason games; that's why they are not attractive. They want to see those players play."
As for those players and their union, Goodell recognizes an expanded schedule will be part of CBA negotiations. Owners opted out of the current deal last year, and it expires after the 2010 schedule, which would be an uncapped season.
"Under the current agreement, additional regular-season games would not be covered," Goodell said. "I think our most important priority after we get done with our internal analysis is talking to our key partners, and that includes the players. I think we want to make sure that the right dialogue takes place before we make any final votes."
DeMaurice Smith, the NFLPA's incoming executive director, wants any decision that affects the players to happen collaboratively.
"His hope is that the concerns and interests of the players will be seriously considered," said George Atallah, a director at the public relations firm Qorvis Communications and a spokesman for Smith during his transition. "He was elected by the players to be their advocate on such issues and is more than ready to serve them."
Among the issues team owners must discuss is when the regular season would begin; how many bye weeks would be scheduled; how deep into February the playoffs and Super Bowl would go; and when the offseason programs -- including the combine and the draft -- would be held.
Plus, where would the extra games be played, particularly with 17 of them?
One possibility, an idea Goodell and senior vice president of sales and marketing Mark Waller first mentioned several years ago, would be 17 neutral-site games, including some abroad. That would enable the league to step up its efforts internationally, a particular goal of Goodell's.
DANA POINT, Calif. -- More games that count, perhaps as early as August 2011? That's exactly what NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wants.
There are several hurdles before the league can expand its regular season from 16 to 17 or 18 games. Among them is reaching a new collective bargaining agreement with the players' union.
Still, the commissioner hopes to present a proposal to the owners in May after the matter was discussed at length this week at the owners meetings.
"It's possible that we could vote in May, but we want to have core discussions on this," Goodell said Wednesday. "Anytime you have change, there is some reluctance. But it's clear we don't need four preseason games anymore."
Goodell said the league has not seriously discussed the subject with its broadcast partners. He couldn't imagine them not being interested in more meaningful games.
"I think the quality of NFL programming, that every one of our network partners would say, if they have the chance to have more regular-season programming, they'd be interested in it," Goodell said. "A key point is the fans also recognize players they want to see are not in those preseason games; that's why they are not attractive. They want to see those players play."
As for those players and their union, Goodell recognizes an expanded schedule will be part of CBA negotiations. Owners opted out of the current deal last year, and it expires after the 2010 schedule, which would be an uncapped season.
"Under the current agreement, additional regular-season games would not be covered," Goodell said. "I think our most important priority after we get done with our internal analysis is talking to our key partners, and that includes the players. I think we want to make sure that the right dialogue takes place before we make any final votes."
DeMaurice Smith, the NFLPA's incoming executive director, wants any decision that affects the players to happen collaboratively.
"His hope is that the concerns and interests of the players will be seriously considered," said George Atallah, a director at the public relations firm Qorvis Communications and a spokesman for Smith during his transition. "He was elected by the players to be their advocate on such issues and is more than ready to serve them."
Among the issues team owners must discuss is when the regular season would begin; how many bye weeks would be scheduled; how deep into February the playoffs and Super Bowl would go; and when the offseason programs -- including the combine and the draft -- would be held.
Plus, where would the extra games be played, particularly with 17 of them?
One possibility, an idea Goodell and senior vice president of sales and marketing Mark Waller first mentioned several years ago, would be 17 neutral-site games, including some abroad. That would enable the league to step up its efforts internationally, a particular goal of Goodell's.
UCONN caught cheating in Men's Basketball
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/26/sports/ncaabasketball/26UConn.html?ref=sports
University of Connecticut men’s basketball coaches broke N.C.A.A. contact rules in the recruiting of Nate Miles, a former player, according to a report by Yahoo Sports on Wednesday. The article drew on cellphone records to detail contact among Miles, UConn coaches and a former student manager.
Yahoo cited multiple sources in establishing a relationship between Miles and Josh Nochimson, who became an agent after his years as a UConn student manager. By N.C.A.A. rules, Yahoo reported, Nochimson would be a representative of the college’s athletic interests. Therefore, providing Miles with lodging, transportation and meals, which the report alleges, might be a serious violation.
UConn released a statement on Wednesday addressing the allegations and promising to look into the report’s details.
“The N.C.A.A.’s Eligibility Center reviewed all information that it had concerning the student-athlete’s eligibility status and determined that he was eligible for his freshman year,” the statement said. “The student-athlete departed from the university before ever participating in athletics competition.”
The controversy surrounds Miles, a 6-foot-7 swingman from Toledo, Ohio, who signed with UConn in 2007 and was expelled as a freshman in 2008 when he violated a restraining order obtained against him by a female student. Miles never played a game for UConn and played this season at the College of Southern Idaho, a junior college.
N.C.A.A. rules limit contact to one phone call a month to recruits (or their family or associates) still in their junior year of high school, but Yahoo reported a stream of communications with Nochimson and significant phone calls and texts to Miles himself. Tom Moore, a former UConn assistant coach, was reported to have made 27 calls to Miles’s guardian and a man Miles called his uncle as well as three calls to Miles in December 2006 alone.
University of Connecticut men’s basketball coaches broke N.C.A.A. contact rules in the recruiting of Nate Miles, a former player, according to a report by Yahoo Sports on Wednesday. The article drew on cellphone records to detail contact among Miles, UConn coaches and a former student manager.
Yahoo cited multiple sources in establishing a relationship between Miles and Josh Nochimson, who became an agent after his years as a UConn student manager. By N.C.A.A. rules, Yahoo reported, Nochimson would be a representative of the college’s athletic interests. Therefore, providing Miles with lodging, transportation and meals, which the report alleges, might be a serious violation.
UConn released a statement on Wednesday addressing the allegations and promising to look into the report’s details.
“The N.C.A.A.’s Eligibility Center reviewed all information that it had concerning the student-athlete’s eligibility status and determined that he was eligible for his freshman year,” the statement said. “The student-athlete departed from the university before ever participating in athletics competition.”
The controversy surrounds Miles, a 6-foot-7 swingman from Toledo, Ohio, who signed with UConn in 2007 and was expelled as a freshman in 2008 when he violated a restraining order obtained against him by a female student. Miles never played a game for UConn and played this season at the College of Southern Idaho, a junior college.
N.C.A.A. rules limit contact to one phone call a month to recruits (or their family or associates) still in their junior year of high school, but Yahoo reported a stream of communications with Nochimson and significant phone calls and texts to Miles himself. Tom Moore, a former UConn assistant coach, was reported to have made 27 calls to Miles’s guardian and a man Miles called his uncle as well as three calls to Miles in December 2006 alone.
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