Former Wildcats, Dick Vitale react to Sean Miller's reported involvement in FBI scandal
One ex-Wildcat said "it's time to clean house" amid reports Friday night that Sean Miller offered Deandre Ayton $100,000 to secure his commitment at Arizona.
Turmoil in Tucson
Updated
By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star
It what is probably the darkest time in college basketball history, the Arizona Wildcats and head coach Sean Miller are the latest targets of the FBI investigation involving payments to high-level recruits to secure their commitment.Β
Miller's phone calls with Christian Dawkins, an affiliate with ASM Sports agency, were intercepted by the FBI, which Miller was found discussing a $100,000 payment to top 2017 recruit and current freshman phenom Deandre Ayton, per ESPN's Mark Schlabach.
Prior to the season when the FBI initially arrested UA assistant coach Book Richardson for accepting a $15,000 bribe to funnel top recruits to Arizona, Miller stated his position in the investigation.Β
"As the head basketball coach at the University of Arizona, I recognize my responsibility is not only to establish a culture of success on the basketball court and in the classroom, but as important, to promote and reinforce a culture of compliance," he said.Β
Now what? Does Miller coach at Arizona again? Does Ayton play another game for the Wildcats? Is the season toast? So many questions are swirling around, but former Wildcats have stepped up on Twitter to share their thoughts on Miller and the FBI probe.Β Β
Jason Terry
Updated@APlayersProgram BearDown itβs time to clean house and bring home our own bloodlines to carry on Lutes Legacy. We have too much pride, too much tradition to allow outsiders to tear down what we built.
β Jason Terry (@jasonterry31) February 24, 2018
Dick Vitale
UpdatedJust asking / How can @APlayersProgram coach SEAN MILLER survive as Arizona coach? @jasonterry31 @NBA ex Cats star says Wildcats MUST CLEAN house & get back to the class & pride of Lute Olsonβs era! https://t.co/Yvm2uhLuRW
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) February 24, 2018
If u r a coach & u have had contact over the past few yrs with CHRISTIAN DAWKINS / u r not sleeping like a baby but probably crying like a baby / do u hear me @APlayersProgram Coach SEAN MILLER? Sorry Sean time to start packing the bags!
β Dick Vitale (@DickieV) February 24, 2018
Richard Jefferson
UpdatedOh and DICK you are quoting a guy that got caught taking money from AN AGENT his senior year that forced Arizona to vacate the wins from my freshman year. Be careful who you quote DICK- Richard Jefferson! https://t.co/yFqvGLS3CV
— RoadTrippinPodcastπ§ (@RoadTrippinPod) February 24, 2018
Tom Tolbert
UpdatedBut we covered pic.twitter.com/hsTIAUc2D9
β Tom Tolbert (@byronjr23) February 24, 2018
Trey Mason
UpdatedNo one in my mentions now? Thatβs odd. Canβt wait for Arizona athletics to rid of this cancer and get back on its feet. This city deserves it. #beardown
β Trey Mason (@TreyBall3) February 24, 2018
Stanley Johnson
UpdatedYour a coward for this straight up https://t.co/daINrLDG7V
— 7even (@iAmSJ) February 24, 2018
Nic Wise
Updated
Kevin Parrom
UpdatedWarning: Post contains explicit language.
Gabe York
Updated
