TCU investigating possible NCAA BB violation

[OldTimer]

Posted on Sat, Jul. 19, 2003 story:PUB_DESC

Inquiry ongoing at TCU

By Tracey Myers

Star-Telegram Staff Writer

TCU officials are investigating a possible NCAA rules violation that involved giving an improper benefit to a prized recruit in the men's basketball program, two university sources said.

Assistant men's basketball coach Jai Steadman drove Oluwafemi Ibikunle, a top recruit, from Fort Worth to Mexico in early June to obtain a visa, the sources said.

That would violate NCAA rules by providing a prospective athlete with an impermissible benefit. NCAA rules state that "an institution may not provide transportation to a prospect ... when accompanied by an institutional staff member."

TCU officials confirmed that an investigation is pending but declined to comment about the specifics.

"There have been allegations made," athletic director Eric Hyman said. "And we are in the process of doing what we have to do to find out what the facts are, as we would do in all cases."

It is unclear what penalties the program might face, but a former NCAA investigator said that TCU's internal investigation could be a positive in the NCAA's eyes.

"The expectation is that the institution does its own review, draws its conclusions and sends a response to the NCAA," the former investigator said. "If they find a violation, it's called self-report. The NCAA looks to see the first point in time the institution becomes aware of the facts of the situation and what they do about it."

In some cases, schools have levied their own penalties and the NCAA has considered those penalties sufficient.

TCU officials first learned of possible infractions the first week of July, and provost William Koehler ordered the investigation late last week. He said that all parties were cooperating with the inquiry and that TCU plans to conclude the investigation by late next week.

Ibikunle, a native of Nigeria, needed the visa to compete with the Nigerian national team in the seventh annual FIBA Men's Junior World Games in Thessaloniki, Greece, the sources said. Ibikunle was apparently given last-minute notification by Nigerian coaches and had only two or three days to acquire a visa, prompting the trip to Mexico.

It is not uncommon for international students to travel to Mexico to obtain a visa quickly.

Steadman, who is in his second year at TCU and is in charge of recruiting and advance scouting, did not return messages left by the Star-Telegram. Ibikunle was also unavailable for comment. Nigeria is still competing in the Junior World Games.

Ibikunle, a 6-foot-9, 235-pound incoming freshman from New Hampton Prep in New Hampshire, chose TCU over Iowa State, Marquette and Oklahoma State. He is considered one of the first major "catches" by second-year TCU coach Neil Dougherty.

This will be Dougherty's second season as head coach at TCU after seven years as an assistant for Roy Williams at Kansas.

"I don't flip out because these [internal reviews] happen," Dougherty said. "I don't know everything that has happened. I know something has happened, but ... in this case, until I know what's going on I'm not talking to anyone."

Ibikunle has signed a letter of intent and enrolled for summer classes at TCU. He is not yet a full-time student and has not participated in practice or competition.

Ibikunle's eligibility might also be an issue. NCAA rules state that a prospective athlete will be ineligible until he repays the benefit if its value is estimated to be $100 or less. The NCAA would have to determine the value of any improper benefit and then rule on the player's eligibility.

Mileage reimbursement for a drive to Mexico would pay at least $300, based on TCU's standard of 36 cents per mile.

NCAA officials declined to comment about any potential investigations.

Hyman said he plans to turn the findings over to Conference USA when the investigation is complete.

Tracey Myers (817) 390-7760 tlmyers@star-telegram.com