Deandre Ayton, the University of Arizona freshman sensation, is at the center of an ongoing FBI investigation into the NCAA.
ESPN reported Friday that Arizona Wildcats coach Sean Miller was caught on an FBI wiretap discussing a $100,000 payment involving Ayton with former ASM Sports employee Christian Dawkins.
Miller and Dawkins, an associate of ASM Sports agent Andy Miller, had numerous conversations about Ayton, according to sources close to the investigation. According to the FBI report, the phone calls between Miller and Dawkins were included among 3,000 hours of conversations intercepted by the FBI on Dawkins' cell phone.
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association). (Photo courtesy of USAsports.com)
The FBI also reported obtaining documents and bank records during its investigation into college basketball recruiting, which revealed that at least 20 Division I basketball programs and more than 25 players may have violated the NCAA rules.
Arizona State released a statement after the documents were released saying Miller and the university had agreed that he would not coach the Wildcats' game against Oregon on Saturday, citing “the best interests of the university and basketball program.” But Ayton was in the lineup, and the university said in a statement he would still be available to play. He had 28 points, 18 rebounds and four blocks in the 98-93 overtime loss.
If any of the allegations prove true, Ayton will likely miss the remainder of the season and Miller will almost certainly lose his job.
Ayton's lawyers said Sunday they are seeking cooperation from both the FBI and the NCAA to clear their client's name in the FBI corruption investigation.
Ayton's lawyers released the following statement: “The parents and family of Deandre Ayton are outraged and disgusted by recent reports which falsely suggest that their son and his family are engaged in illegal or prohibited activity following his acceptance to the University of Arizona.”
The statement also said Ayton directly told the FBI more than six months ago that he never discussed or solicited any financial exchange with the University of Arizona or any other university, and that his involvement with the university was based on family ties in Phoenix.
Ayton is averaging 19.6 points and 10.9 rebounds per game this season to lead Arizona.
