UNLV has received a notification of official inquiry into the conduct of its men's basketball program from the National Collegiate Athletics Association, according to UNLV Athletics Director Charles Cavagnaro.
The NCAA began its preliminary inquiry into the program in March 1999.
"We have received from the NCAA a letter notifying us of an official inquiry, and we have begun a vigorous investigation into the allegations," Cavagnaro said, adding that it would be inappropriate to comment on the allegations at this time.
UNLV President Carol C. Harter said, "We take this matter very seriously. We have retained Michael Glazier, an attorney who specializes in NCAA-related matters, to investigate the NCAA's allegations." Glazier is a partner in the firm Bond, Schoeneck & King of Overland Park, Kan. He is the lead attorney for the firm's collegiate sports law practice. Glazier was retained by UNLV upon receipt of the NCAA preliminary inquiry, and has been in continual communication with the NCAA since that time.
"The University's integrity is paramount," Harter said. "Therefore, my overriding desire in this matter is to learn the truth, to submit a complete and unbiased response to the allegations, and to take swift corrective measures as necessary. The University may achieve these goals only by knowing all the facts pertaining to the alleged violations."
UNLV Head Men's Basketball Coach Bill Bayno said, "Right now my first priority is to concentrate on the young men on my team.
They have spent their whole year working hard to qualify for the NCAA tournament. It would be an extreme disservice to them to have the coaching staff distracted by this announcement.
"Any time there are serious allegations, it is my responsibility and obligation as head coach to address them," Bayno said. "I have assured Dr. Harter and Mr. Cavagnaro that I have every intention of cooperating fully with the NCAA in responding to them. This will be my first order of business at the conclusion of the playing season.
"According to the rules of the NCAA, I am prohibited from discussing specifics about these matters. I am confident that they will be resolved in a way that will best serve our program and the University."
