NCAA inquiry outlines timeline of alleged violations
Wednesday, March 15, 2000 | 10:51 a.m.
Here is a synopsis of the NCAA's official inquiry into alleged rules violations by the UNLV men's basketball program. Verbatim entries are in quotations. Where identities have been withheld in the inquiry or are unknown, it is noted.
1. "It is alleged that between July 1996 and December 1997, David Chapman, a representative of the university's athletics interests, made impermissible in-person and telephone recruiting contacts with then prospective student-athlete Lamar Odom and his aunt Janenean Mercer. Further, Chapman provided cash to Odom on numerous occasions totaling approximately $5,600. The cash provisions occurred before and after the university advised Odom on July 25, 1997, that he would no longer be able to enroll at the university."
** Between early June and July 25, 1997, Chapman allegedly gave Odom $400 to $800 in cash two to three times a week, for a total of $4,000. The provisions were made at Chapman's home, car and dental office in Las Vegas. After July 25, 1997, after UNLV released Odom from his NCAA letter of intent, Chapman gave him an additional $1,600 in cash, purchased clothing for him, provided free meals and dental work, and paid for several nights lodging for Odom at the Golden Nugget.
2. "It is alleged that between July 1996 and August 1997, Bill Bayno, the head men's basketball coach, and Greg Vetrone, then an assistant men's basketball coach, provided improper recruiting inducements to then prospective student-athlete Lamar Odom and made improper telephone contact with the young man."
** In the summer of 1997, Bayno allegedly contacted booster Sig Rogich, owner of Rogich Communications, and asked him to give Odom a job. Rogich then employed Odom as a runner at his company.
3. "It is alleged that in July 1997 and during the 1998-99 academic year, Steve Stein, a representative of the university's athletics interests and a local attorney, provided cash payments to prospective student-athlete (redacted) and then-enrolled men's basketball student-athlete (redacted). The total amount of money Stein provided to the two young men was approximately $400."
** In July 1997 at Stein's Las Vegas office, Stein allegedly gave $100 cash to (redacted) as a gift. On three other occasions between late November 1998 and March 1999, Stein provided $100 cash to (redacted), bringing the total to $400.
4. It is alleged that on June 22, 1998, Vetrone provided the use of a moving truck, mattresses and box springs to two prospective student-athletes and excused one of the prospective student-athletes from accident liability involving the moving truck.
5. "It is alleged that between July 1997 and August 1999, members of the basketball coaching staff and (a student manager) provided recruiting inducements or extra benefits to two prospective student-athletes and one enrolled student-athlete, respectively, and made impermissible telephone contact with another prospective student-athlete."
** At least once during the 1997-98 academic year, assistant coach Dave Rice allegedly hand-delivered a money order to Las Vegas Auto Leasing for student-athlete (redacted), "in order for (redacted) to make the payments on (redacted) automobile loan." In the summer of 1997 and 1997-98 academic year, team manager (redacted) allegedly provided local transportation on approximately 15 occasions to prospective student-athlete (redacted). The university self-reported that during the week of August 22-28, 1999, Bayno and assistant coach Max Good each made one telephone contact with prospective student-athlete (redacted).
6. "It is alleged that current student-athlete (redacted) ... violated the provisions of ethical conduct when he provided false and misleading information to the enforcement staff and the university on August 31, 1999, and January 18, 2000."
** A current Rebels player is alleged to have lied when he reported to the enforcement staff and university that his mother paid approximately $150 to $300 to Vetrone for receipt of the mattress and box springs "when, in fact, Vetrone provided these at no charge, as noted in Allegation No. 4."
7. "It is alleged that the scope and nature of certain violations cited in Allegation No. 1 ... demonstrate that the university failed to adequately monitor the men's basketball program. Further, (Bayno) failed to adequately monitor his basketball program for compliance and failed to report possible violations ... to appropriate institutional officials for their review."
** Bayno didn't "adequately monitor" Odom's presence in Las Vegas and at the North Gymnasium, where Chapman had "unrestricted and unmonitored access to Odom." Upon learning that Chapman had developed a relationship with Odom, "Bayno told Chapman to cease contact with Odom, but Bayno failed to notify any other personnel at the university about the possible NCAA violations or to take any other action."
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