Sean Miller responds to accusations: ‘I have never paid a recruit’.

Eddie Celaya

March 1, 2018

Arizona men’s basketball head coach Sean Miller addresses allegations during a press conference in McKale Center Thursday, March 1 in Tucson, Ariz. “I have never knowingly violated NCAA rules while serving as head coach of this great program,” Miller said. “I have never paid a recruit or prospect or their family or representative to come to Arizona. I never have and I never will.”

University of Arizona men’s basketball head coach Sean Miller announced he will continue as coach during a press conference on March 1 in McKale Center. Miller also denied discussing any payment involving Deandre Ayton’s recruitment to Arizona.

At the Arizona Board of Regents meeting in Phoenix shortly after the press conference, UA president Dr. Robert Robbins announced that Miller will stay on as head coach of Arizona.

“We have no reason to believe Miller violated any NCAA rules or any rules regarding the allegations,” Robbins said to the media.

Robbins also confirmed that Miller will be the head coach of the team the rest of the season.

Miller’s statement at the press conference comes amidst an ongoing FBI investigation and nearly a week after a story by ESPN’s Mark Schlabach identified Miller as being on a wiretapped conversation involving Christian Dawkins, a former agent who has been indicted on federal charges. At the press conference, Miller said those accusations were falsely reported.

“I have never knowingly violated NCAA rules while serving as head coach of this great program,” Miller said. “I have never paid a recruit or prospect or their family or representative to come to Arizona. I never have and I never will.”

Ending the press conference, Miller said he was excited to get back to the court.

“I look forward to coaching this outstanding team as we seek to capture a Pac-12 regular season championship this week,” he said.