Haith Cooperating With NCAA Probe
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – University of Missouri head basketball coach Frank Haith said Monday he is fully cooperating with the NCAA as the college athletics governing body continues investigating the University of Miami.
The Hurricanes declared senior center Reggie Johnson ineligible Sunday after the school said his family received impermissible travel benefits from a member of Haith's staff.
Miami has asked the NCAA to reinstate Johnson and said he was not aware of the extra benefits allegedly given to his family.
A written statement issued by Miami on Sunday said that Johnson's "family was told (the extra benefits) were permissible by that member of the former basketball coaching staff."
Haith was the head coach at UM for seven years before he moved on to the Missouri Tigers before the current season. He's been implicated in a pay-for-play scheme by then-Miami booster Nevin Shapiro.
"We're doing some great things here at Missouri," he said. "We're cooperating with the NCAA fully. I'll just be glad when this thing's over with."
Haith called Johnson's suspension with three regular season games remaining "disappointing."
"Reggie is a wonderful young man, and you hate to see anyone have their career delayed." Haith said. "It's tough. I feel bad for him and his family, and I know he'll get through it, though."
Haith has led the Missouri Tigers to a 25-4 record in 2011-2012 and has the team set up to make a deep run in the Big XII and NCAA Tournaments in March. Haith has denied all wrong-doing while the coach at Miami.
(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
