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 Univ. of Minnesota probe continues
Posted: Friday May 14, 1999 08:49 PM
INNEAPOLIS (AP) - The University of Minnesota's investigation of charges of academic fraud in the men's basketball program likely will stretch into the fall. Investigators have interviewed 50 people so far and plan to talk with another 70, said university officials. In a report to university regents on Thursday, Tonya Moten Brown, who is coordinating the investigation for the university, said external investigators have reviewed thousands of documents, including analysis of data from computers in the academic counseling unit and the men's basketball office. The university expects to wrap up its investigation by the end of September, Brown said. The NCAA report that follows is expected by next spring. Basketball coach Clem Haskins has not been interviewed. "Investigators want to firm up as much factual information as possible before interviewing key witnesses, such as coach Haskins," Brown said. Brown said some people may be reluctant to come forward if they have information about the allegations of widespread cheating among men's basketball players. "We will try to convince people unwilling to talk that the NCAA may look on that unwillingness negatively, and it may hurt the basketball program," Brown said. With no subpoena power, investigators cannot compel testimony from people who are not employees or students at the university. Interviews of witnesses are tape-recorded, and the tapes are kept confidential, Brown said. At the end of each interview, witnesses are asked not to discuss their testimony with anyone except their lawyer. Brown said the reason for the secrecy is to avoid coloring the testimony of witnesses who have yet to be interviewed. The investigation began March 19 after a former office manager in the university's academic counseling office said she wrote papers for current and former players. Jan Gangelhoff said she did more than 400 pieces of course work for 20 players from 1993 to 1998. Investigators have broken down their work into four categories of allegations: academic fraud, inadequate institutional control, extra benefits for student athletes and possible violations of NCAA rules or university policies. The investigation is being headed by Kansas City attorney Michael Glazier and Minneapolis attorney Don Lewis.
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