By Bruce Pascoe | Arizona Daily Star
Arizona says it is taking “very seriously” what was presented in federal court Wednesday, when former assistant basketball coach Emanuel “Book” Richardson was heard on a wiretapped phone call played for jurors saying Arizona coach Sean Miller had agreed to pay former Wildcat star Deandre Ayton.
“The University of Arizona takes the information presented in court today very seriously and remains committed to the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct which includes competing within the rules of the NCAA and the Pac-12 Conference,” Arizona said in a statement in response to the Daily Star’s request for comment. “We will continue to cooperate fully with the NCAA and with other ongoing investigations into this matter in the best interest of the university and the men’s basketball program.”
Arizona athletic director Dave Heeke could not be reached during Pac-12 meetings at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale, where athletic directors later attended an offsite Tournament of Roses dinner. Arizona president Robert C. Robbins tweeted Wednesday night that he was at Old Main celebrating the sponsors, volunteers and community partners involved with the Tucson Festival of Books.
