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Source: Arizona to self-impose sanctions

Jeff Goodman is a senior college basketball writer for FOXSports.com. Check out his blog on FOXSports.com, Good 'n Plenty.
Updated Feb 4, 2010 10:11 PM ET
Arizona is expected to self-impose sanctions on its men’s basketball program that includes a loss of a future scholarship as well as a reduction of recruiting days in July and on-campus official visits because of recruiting violations tied to an AAU basketball tournament held on its campus.

According to sources close to the situation, the school will not impose a postseason ban.

An official announcement is expected as early as Friday.

The violations occurred under former coach Lute Olson.
Lisa Blumenfeld


The school reported a potential violation of NCAA rules back in 2008 after former coach Lute Olson sent a letter to the Rebounders Club board of directors asking for financial assistance to the Cactus Classic – an AAU tournament that was held at McKale Center in May for three consecutive years.

NCAA rules prohibit institutional representatives or boosters from arranging financial assistance for potential recruits.

The letter was printed over Olson’s electronic signature. Olson “adamantly denied” knowledge of the letter being sent and later issued a retraction, saying he had not seen or approved the document.

Olson followed with a statement that read: "This is an unfortunate and regrettable error. We have always prided ourselves on operating within NCAA rules and regulations.”

According to sources, there was also a violation that occurred when members of the former coaching staff were in attendance at the event watching recruits.

The investigation was already ongoing when current Arizona coach Sean Miller accepted the job last April. According to a source close to Miller, he had full knowledge of the potential sanctions and was not surprised by the decision.

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