UPDATE: Regents approve changes to contract for UA's Sean Miller

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - UPDATE: The Arizona Board of Regents voted on Friday, April 6, to alter the contract for University of Arizona head basketball coach Sean Miller, according to multiple reports.

The University of Arizona may have said it's standing behind Sean Miller, but the school also wants to alter the embattled coach's contract.

According to a document on ABOR's website, the school asked the board to approve two new stipulations to Miller's deal.

Under the first amendment, Miller would have to forfeit $1 million in compensation if he's found to have violated an NCAA Level 1 violation or if he is charged with any crime related to his position.

According to the NCAA, a Level 1 violation can include the following:

Lack of institutional control.
Academic fraud.
Failure to cooperate in an NCAA investigation.
Individual unethical or dishonest conduct.
Head coach responsibility violation by a head coach resulting from an underlying Level I violation by an individual within the sport program

The second stipulation deals with Miller's obligations and responsibilities under Title IX, including reporting requirements, cooperation with investigations, and participation in Title IX training.

Under the contract to be altered, Miller is making $2.6 million per year and is under contract until 2022. He could still make millions, even if the school were to fire him. Sources like Forbes and CBS Sports have said UA could be on the hook for $5-10 million, depending on the reasons for the termination.

Miller came under fire in late February when ESPN reported the FBI had a recording of Miller talking about paying Deandre Ayton before he signed with the Wildcats.

The story by ESPN's Mark Schlabach claims the FBI intercepted Miller's phone conversation with sports agent Christian Dawkins, a key figure in the federal agency's investigation into a national bribery scandal.

Miller's former assistant Emanuel "Book" Richardson was fired in January, two months after he was indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with the investigation.

Schlabach's report said Miller told Dawkins that he should deal directly with him (Miller), instead of assistant coach Richardson when it came to finalizing the agreement.

Miller vehemently denied the allegations.

"Let me be very, very clear, I have never discussed with Christian Dawkins about the payment of Deandre Ayton and did not even speak to Dawkins until after the recruitment process," Miller said.

University of Arizona President Robert Robbins and ABOR later announced Miller would remain as head coach.

The University of Arizona released the following statement on Thursday:

We have decided that Sean Miller will remain the University of Arizona's men's basketball coach.

Media reports last Friday alleged that Coach Miller was caught on a wiretap discussing a payment with a representative of a sports agency regarding one of our student-athletes. Since those reports broke, we have sought to learn everything that we can from Coach Miller about the allegations. As Coach Miller's employer, we acted to investigate these reports.

Earlier this week, we met with Coach Miller at length and asked him direct and pointed questions. He was eager to speak with us and answered every question we asked. At this time we have no reason to believe that Coach Miller violated NCAA rules or any laws regarding the allegation reported in the media. Additionally, he has a record of compliance with NCAA rules, and he has been cooperative with this process.

While some might be tempted to rush to judgment when there is intense public pressure, due process is the bedrock of fair treatment and acting with integrity. With that in mind, we will continue to pursue every avenue of inquiry available to us during an active federal investigation to fully understand the facts. We recognize that investigation is ongoing, and we will continue to be respectful and cooperative through its conclusion. Steptoe & Johnson continues its investigation into our athletics compliance, and we will carefully review and act on its conclusions. We anticipate this report will be thorough and based on facts.

We want to thank our student-athletes for the strength they have exhibited during this challenging situation. We are confident that they will continue to respond with commitment, integrity and excellence. Deandre Ayton, who has been subjected to false, public reports that impugned his reputation, has our full support. We ask that the Wildcat Family rally behind these young men and our coaching staff tonight and throughout the rest of our season.

Thank you.

Robert C. Robbins
President

Dave Heeke
Director of Athletics

ABOR released the following statement:

"The Arizona Board of Regents met today to receive further legal advice regarding University of Arizona men's basketball and the multi-year employment contract for head coach Sean Miller.
While intense media interest in this issue has prompted much speculation, ABOR and the UA must act in a deliberative manner rooted in facts rather than conjecture. We owe this to the students, faculty, alumni and Arizona taxpayers we serve.
President Robbins fully briefed the board today on his investigation, concerns and findings regarding men's basketball. Shortly, he will share with you his decision regarding Coach Miller. I fully support his decision and I am confident he has been thorough in his assessment of this situation. I also appreciate Coach Miller's forthright statement to the press today.
As the governing body of Arizona's public universities, ABOR is committed to doing everything possible to uphold the integrity of the institutions we oversee. This pledge extends to collegiate athletic programs, which must adhere to the high standards established by each university. Basketball is a beloved sport at the University of Arizona and throughout Arizona. The integrity of our institutions cannot be compromised.
As a Wildcat, the excellence of the University of Arizona, our student athletes and the success of future generations of students is deeply important to me. The board will remain in close contact with Dr. Robbins as this process continues."

ESPN eventually issued two corrections to the story regarding the date of the phone call, casting doubt about its veracity in many people's eyes.

The Wildcats have already experienced at least one negative impact from the story - the loss of one of the top recruits in the 2018 recruiting class in Shareef O'Neal.

O'Neal, the son of legendary NBA star Shaquille O'Neal, went to Twitter to announce his decision to open up his recruitment.

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