Former UA football coach Tony Mason hugs a player during a game in 1979. Jack W. Sheaffer / Arizona Daily Star file photo

 Jack W. Sheaffer / Arizona Daily Star file photo

He coached Arizona’s football program to a 16-18-1 record from 1977-79, but an NCAA investigation discovered illegal payments and a slush fund to benefit players and coaches. The UA was placed on an NCAA probation from 1982-84, preventing it from playing in bowl games and on live TV.Β 

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