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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

IU to open investigation

Michael Marot Associated Press

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Kelvin Sampson’s future as Indiana’s basketball coach could be determined by next week.

University president Michael McRobbie said Friday the school will conduct a new investigation into NCAA accusations that Sampson committed five major rules violations.

A school investigation last year revealed Sampson and his assistants made more than 100 impermissible calls. That occurred while Sampson was on NCAA probation for making 577 improper phone calls between 2000 and 2004 while coaching Oklahoma.

Athletic director Rick Greenspan, university counsel Dorothy Frapwell and faculty representative Bruce Jaffee were asked to run the investigation and then recommend by Friday what steps the university should take.

“I fully understand the desire for us, by many people, to move quickly in bringing this situation to resolution,” McRobbie said. “We intend to do just that.”

A NCAA report Wednesday accused Sampson of providing false and misleading information to university and NCAA investigators, failing to promote a high standard of honesty in the program and not promoting an atmosphere of compliance.

Sampson said Wednesday he never intentionally provided false or misleading information to NCAA investigators.

During pregame introductions Wednesday, Sampson drew more boos than cheers, and university trustees have expressed disappointment over Indiana’s predicament. The school has not been hit with a major NCAA infraction since 1960.

Some fans want Sampson out, by dismissal or resignation. Others believe he should be suspended, but firing Sampson before the NCAA makes its expected ruling in June or July could cost the school at least $2.5 million.

Sampson accepted the school’s self-imposed sanctions in October by agreeing to forfeit a $500,000 pay raise and a scholarship for the 2008-09 season.

Indiana has until May 8 to respond to the NCAA and faces a June 14 hearing before the infractions committee. A decision is expected within 30 days of the hearing.

The school could ask that the hearing be moved up to April, but there is no assurance that request would be granted.