WVU basketball probe taking longer than expected
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) – The investigation into a possible NCAA violation by a West Virginia University basketball player is unlikely to conclude before the end of May, school officials said Monday. Initially, investigators thought they might need only a few weeks.
However, “It’s very thorough, and the investigation is requiring numerous interviews with athletes and staff members,” spokesman Bryan Messerly said.
“Most team members are being questioned twice, plus there are people outside Morgantown that they’re talking to.”
Freshman point guard Jonathan Hargett had told The Charleston Gazette he is the target of the investigation, which began in mid-April. Hargett denies any wrongdoing.
The possible infraction was discovered by Bowling Green coach Dan Dakich, who briefly accepted a job as WVU’s head coach, then quit a week later. He has since been replaced by John Beilein.
Athletic Director Ed Pastilong has previously said the situation involves “an athlete and a person or group of persons not associated with WVU.”
A full report must be presented to the NCAA and the Big East in writing. The NCAA may then accept the school’s findings or conduct its own investigation, spokesman Mike Parsons said.
Any sanctions that might result could be imposed against the athlete alone or the athlete and the school.
“They expect us to do a very thorough job and not leave any stone unturned, and that’s certainly what the committee is doing,” Parsons said. “It just takes time.”
The committee includes WVU compliance officer Brad Cox, NCAA representative Jack Bowman, auditor William Quigley and an attorney from Indianapolis.