The NCAA does not discuss ongoing investigations.Īs a precaution, UCLA did not take Muhammad on a recent trip to play exhibition games in China. That company is headed by well-known UCLA alumnus and benefactor Casey Wasserman.Īnderson and Foucher could not be reached for comment and Wasserman declined comment. The Anderson investigation involves a reported relationship with Thad Foucher, an agent who works with Arn Tellem at the Wasserman Media Group. Muhammad has said he expects to be cleared. Muhammad’s family has said both men were long-time friends, and thus permitted under NCAA rules to give financial aid. Officials are also looking at Ken Kavanagh, a New York financial planner who partially funded the summer team Muhammad played for in his hometown of Las Vegas. Investigators want to know about money he allegedly received from Benjamin Lincoln, the brother of an assistant at his high school, to help pay for unofficial visits to Duke and North Carolina. UCLA issued a statement this week, saying it was working “closely with the to establish the facts and circumstances for a fair and thorough review.”Īs the crown jewel of the incoming class, Muhammad has faced the greatest scrutiny. But suspicion has become the norm in an era of travel team coaches and agents, prompting increased NCAA screening of high-profile recruits. “It’s unfortunate and unfair to our players … these are all really good kids.”Īt this point, neither Howland nor his staff appear to be under investigation.
“I’m sorry people feel that way,” Coach Ben Howland said. The ongoing investigation into their eligibility has added fuel to Internet speculation that UCLA must have cheated to attract such talented athletes. With practice set to begin early next month, Muhammad and Anderson are still awaiting official clearance. While giving the team the look of a championship contender, it has also drawn scrutiny from the NCAA. Suffering through too many losses and too many negative headlines, the Bruins hoped to turn things around with a blue-chip recruiting class.īut the much-hyped addition of Shabazz Muhammad, Kyle Anderson, Tony Parker and Jordan Adams has proved to be a double-edged sword. The UCLA basketball program needed some good news after last season.
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