HARTFORD, Conn. — The University of Connecticut has admitted its men’s basketball program committed major NCAA recruiting violations and has imposed its own sanctions, including two years’ probation and a loss of one scholarship for the next two seasons.
But the university said the evidence does not support the NCAA allegation that coach Jim Calhoun, who has won two national titles with the Huskies, failed to promote an atmosphere for compliance.
In a report released Friday, the school acknowledges its basketball staff made impermissible telephone calls and text messages as cited by the NCAA in a May report that followed a 15-month investigation. It also admits it improperly provided free game tickets to high school coaches and others.
A hearing is set for Friday before the NCAA infractions committee, which could accept UConn’s decision or impose additional penalties.
“I am deeply disappointed the university is in this position,” university president Philip E. Austin said. “It is clear mistakes have been made. This is a serious matter, and we have worked in full cooperation with the NCAA. We look forward to fully resolving these issues and restoring our men’s basketball program to a level of unquestioned integrity.”
The allegations stem from the recruitment of former player Nate Miles, who was expelled from UConn in October 2008 without playing a game for the Huskies. He was charged with violating a restraining order in a case involving a woman who claimed he assaulted her.
The NCAA and the school have been investigating the program since shortly after a report by Yahoo! Sports in March 2009 that former team manager Josh Nochimson helped guide Miles to Connecticut, giving him lodging, transportation, meals and representation.
