Report: UA men’s basketball, ex-coach Miller avoid major penalties in IARP ruling

TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) - Former Arizona men’s basketball coach Sean Miller and the Wildcats program avoided further punishment in an IARP ruling, according to a CBS Sports report. The ruling also

The ruling comes from the Independent Resolution Panel, which is the governing body within the Independent Accountability Resolution Process, after a probe of the men’s basketball program under Miller. Miller, who was fired by Arizona in April 2021, is now the head coach at Xavier.

According to the report, Arizona’s self-imposed postseason ban in 2020-21 helped serve as a means of offsetting penalties in the case.

Previously, Miller was assessed a Level 1 coach-control charge, and Arizona was given a lack of institutional control Level 1 violation. No further penalties will be assessed, according to the report.

Arizona’s swimming and diving program was also part of the case.

Read the entire CBS Sports report HERE.

Former Arizona assistant Emanuel “Book” Richardson served three months in prison after pleading guilty to accepting $20,000 in bribes to steer top players toward a sports agent.

The University of Arizona issued the following statement:

Today, the Independent Accountability Resolution Panel released its decision regarding the University of Arizona men’s basketball and swimming and diving programs. We are pleased that this five-year process is now behind us.

We are grateful that the panel acknowledged our extensive cooperation, as noted in the IARP press release:

“Arizona spent a significant amount of time and resources on its own independent investigation, inviting the enforcement staff to participate despite having no obligation to do so. Its investigation assisted the enforcement staff and, eventually, the Complex Case Unit and the hearing panel in bringing this case to resolution. Arizona was forthcoming with information developed through that investigation, even providing documents containing potentially damaging information. Arizona provided thorough and honest answers at the hearing and secured the participation of both current and former staff members for interviews.”

PRESIDENT ROBERT C. ROBBINS: “We are pleased to have reached the end of this process with the NCAA and have great confidence in our athletics leadership. The basketball program, under Tommy Lloyd, is in great hands and I look forward to another highly successful season.”

DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS DAVE HEEKE: “While many of these allegations predated current athletics staff, we are appreciative of this process coming to an end after five years. Our athletics department will continue to maintain a culture of compliance as we live the Wildcat Way and develop academic, athletic and life champions.”

MEN’S BASKETBALL HEAD COACH TOMMY LLOYD: “I am happy for our basketball program that this process has come to an end. President Robbins and Dave Heeke made it clear to me when I accepted this position how important a culture of compliance is at the University of Arizona. I am thankful that our program can continue competing for championships and representing Arizona.”

SWIMMING & DIVING HEAD COACH AUGUST BUSCH: “I appreciate the consideration throughout this process. Head coach control and adherence to NCAA rules are top priorities for me and will remain so in the future.”