After two and a half years of investigations, Mizzou basketball coach Frank Haith will be suspended the first five games of the regular after the NCAA found that the University of Miami and Haith did not “exercise institutional control” over former booster and convicted felon Nevin Shapiro’s interactions with the football and men’s basketball programs.
Missouri’s first five game are against Southeastern Louisiana, Southern Illinois, Hawaii, Gardner-Webb and IUPUI, all home games, except the Hawaii game in K.C.
Haith wants to put this ordeal behind him for the sake of his family, his current players and the University. Haith was adamant that his foregoing an appeal was not an admittance of guilt. Haith is still now sure how far the scope of his suspension expands in terms of interaction with his team, but will learn more in the coming days from the NCAA.
Mike Alden, Missouri’s Director of Athletics, joined Haith this afternoon at a press conference and stood by his basketball coach. Alden also stated that the university would not appeal the NCAA’s decision. Alden said he supports his coach and looks forward to working with him for several years.
Additional statements from university officals.
BRADY DEATON, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI CHANCELLOR
“I have reviewed the findings of the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions related to the University of Miami athletic program. Given our respect for the principles of compliance in intercollegiate sports, we will not appeal the sanctions placed on our Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Frank Haith.
The University of Missouri has a strong culture of compliance. I can firmly say that since April of 2011 when he joined our family, Coach Haith has reaffirmed our values of compliance in every way, and we fully expect that to continue. We owe our student-athletes, our university, our state, and Mizzou Nation no less.”
MIKE ALDEN, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
“We certainly recognize the serious nature of the allegations included in today’s report. At Missouri, we take great pride in our conduct with regard to NCAA rules and regulations. During his time here, Coach Haith has been forthright with me and our compliance staff throughout this long process. After all this time, Coach Haith, his family, the University of Missouri, our student-athletes, and our fans, deserve closure. We are extremely excited about the direction of our program and look forward to his continued leadership for our young men. I’m proud to have Frank Haith as our men’s basketball coach.”
MARY AUSTIN, SENIOR ASSOCIATE ATHLETICS DIRECTOR – COMPLIANCE
“We have reviewed the NCAAs ruling on the University of Miami’s infractions case, particularly its ruling on the allegations against Frank Haith. We are supportive of Coach Haith’s decision to move forward, even though the option to appeal was there. It’s very important to note that Coach Haith has been diligent and consistent in his efforts to promote an atmosphere of compliance at Mizzou. Frank Haith is a head coach who exhibits cooperation and support of all compliance efforts with his program, and we are pleased to move forward as a team.”
