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Arizona’s Sean Miller releases statement addressing corruption scandal

Sean Miller

Sean Miller

AP

It’s been a week since the news of federal corruption charges upended the college basketball world. Arizona coach Sean Miller, whose staffer member Emanuel “Book” Richardson was arrested as part of the probe, finally has publicly addressed the situation, through a written statement.

“I was devastated to learn last week of the allegations made against Emanuel Richardson,” Miller said in a statement released by the school. “I have expressed to both (Arizona president) Dr. (Robert) Robbins and our athletic director Dave Heeke that I fully support the university’s efforts to fully investigate these allegations. As the head basketball coach at the University of Arizona, I recognize my responsibility to not only establish a culture of success on the basketball court and in the classroom, but as important, to promote and reinforce a culture of compliance.

“To the best of my ability, I have worked to demonstrate this over the past eight years and will continue to do so as we move forward.”

Richardson, who had been at Arizona since 2009, was immediately suspended while Arizona “initiated the dismissal process” after he was charged last week as part of the corruption investigation by the FBI that resulted in the immediate arrest of 10 people, including three other NCAA men’s basketball assistant coaches. Legendary coach Rick Pitino was fired last week by Louisville as part of the fallout of the wide-ranging scandal.

Miller had not publicly commented on the arrest or investigation until the release of the statement Tuesday evening.

Update:

Later Tuesday night Arizona’s athletic director and president both released statements in support of Miller.

President Dr. Robert Robbins, in part:

“Head coach Sean Miller has not been charged with — nor accused of — any misconduct and he has been fully cooperative and supportive of our efforts to determine the facts in pursuit of the truth. In a message that he shared with the community earlier today, Sean expressed his own devastation at the revelations last week and acknowledged his responsibility as the head coach to promote and reinforce a culture of compliance. Based on the facts that we know at this time, we support Coach Miller and intend to provide him with all of the tools necessary to meet our goals and expectations. The tremendous young men in our basketball program deserve our continued support as they work towards the start of the season, and I have complete faith that our passionate fans will continue to show them our love.”

Athletic director Dave Heeke said, “As the leader of the department of athletics, I expect all our student-athletes, coaches and staff to act with integrity and character, and I promise that I, along with our staff, will work tirelessly to ensure this department operates with the highest of ethical standards.

“With basketball practice underway, I ask that you join me in supporting Sean Miller, the staff, and our student-athletes as they work towards the start of the season.”