SEATTLE – The NCAA is investigating University of Washington coach Rick Neuheisel for potential recruiting violations during his tenure at the University of Colorado, a newspaper reported Thursday.
The investigation stemmed from allegations made by Colorado officials, the Seattle Times reported. Washington athletic director Barbara Hedges issued a statement confirming an inquiry was underway.
“We have been notified of an official NCAA inquiry at the University of Colorado,” Hedges said. “The inquiry includes a time period when Rick Neuheisel was the head football coach at Colorado. Coach Neuheisel has been named in part of the inquiry.
“Coach Neuheisel has fully cooperated with NCAA officials regarding this matter and will continue to do so until this matter is resolved.”
Neuheisel ran the Buffaloes’ football program from 1995-98.
Hedges would not comment further, nor would Colorado athletic director Dick Tharp confirm the probe.
“It would be inappropriate for me to comment on any allegations or rumors about NCAA infractions at this time,” Tharp said.
Neuheisel could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
NCAA sanctions generally apply to institutions where a violation occurs, but a school to which a coach has moved after a violation occurs may be ordered to show why that coach’s duties should not be limited.
After Neuheisel was hired by Washington in January 1999, he and his staff were found to have made improper home visits during a “quiet” recruiting period. Huskies coaches were sanctioned with additional limits in the next season’s “contact” periods.
Washington also was penalized for improper phone calls to Neuheisel’s former players at Colorado.
After harsh words by several Pac-10 coaches last winter about recruiting, the conference office reprimanded Neuheisel, UCLA coach Bob Toledo and the University of Oregon.
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