University of Missouri men’s basketball coach Frank Haith is expected to be charged with “unethical conduct” when the NCAA hands out it’s notice of allegations to the University of Miami’s athletic department, according to CBS Sports.
The investigation, which started in 2011 is also expected to name three of Haith’s former assistants with the same charge: Jake Morton, now at Western Kentucky; Michael Schwartz, now at Fresno State; and Jorge Fernandez. Two former Miami assistant football coaches, Clint Hurtt and Aubrey Hill, have been told they also will face that charge.
The unethical conduct, according to ESPN.com, refers to airline travel his staff gave to two players’ families, as well as allowing contact between booster Nevin Shapiro and players during recruiting trips.
One of those players involved is current senior Reggie Johnson, who was suspended four games last season and the ‘Canes leading scorer Durand Scott, who was suspended at the end of last season and the start of this season.
Frank Haith has not received a notice of allegations and his attorney, Michael Buckner was on the attack late Monday night, telling the Miami Herald, “Throughout the case we have conversations all the time with the NCAA,” Buckner said. “Any type of allegations are not allegations until you receive the actual notice. Whoever talked to (CBSSports.com college basketball writer) Jeff Goodman is violating the NCAA confidentiality provision and as of right now, my client and anyone on his legal team have not received a notice of allegations.”
According to varying reports, many individuals involved with Miami at the time of the investigation have been told of allegations against them by NCAA officials. The paper noted that Haith responded by email Monday night.: “I haven’t been issued any notice of allegations.”
“I just think it’s unfortunate,” Buckner continued, “because if a notice comes out and all those things are not included, then that source will have to pay for disclosing information that may not be true. … I think the evidence that I am aware of would not and cannot support any allegations that have been asserted by Mr. [Nevin] Shapiro against my client.”
The University of Missouri released a statement:
Missouri released a statement Monday night that said, “The University has been in communication with the NCAA regarding their ongoing efforts related to the University of Miami investigation. Coach Haith and the University of Missouri continue to cooperate fully. However, we are not at liberty to comment further out of respect for the NCAA process.”
The report could be released as early as today (Tuesday, Jan 22).
