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 Early verdict? Haskins' decision may come before probe ends
Posted: Wednesday May 19, 1999 11:09 AM
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota President Mark Yudof said it is "conceivable" he might decide the fate of coach Clem Haskins before the university completes its investigation into the basketball program. The investigation, which was launched March 19, is expected to conclude in September or October. Yudof did not specify what might prompt him to make an early decision, but he said he doesn't want recruiting efforts to be hindered by the investigation. "I do have thoughts about where I think things may be headed, or at least where the evidence stands today, but I don't see any real point about speculating about that today," Yudof said Tuesday. Two outside law firms hired by the university are investigating charges of academic fraud after allegations by former university employee Jan Gangelhoff. She said she did more than 400 pieces of course work for 20 players from 1993 to 1998. Russ Archambault, a former player, also has said Haskins paid him, which could be a violation of NCAA rules. In an interview Monday on WCCO Radio in Minneapolis, Haskins denied wrongdoing and said he would not resign. Yudof acknowledged that basketball recruiting is a factor in the decision about Haskins' status. Under NCAA rules, the university may begin in-person evaluation of high school players on July 8. Mark Rotenberg, university general counsel, said Tuesday the university's internal investigation is expected to last no later than September, and it could take until next spring for the NCAA's infractions committee to decide whether to issue penalties. Yudof said if he makes a decision on Haskins' future, he has various options under Haskins' contract, including exoneration, exoneration with some discipline, dismissal for cause, dismissal without cause, or something in between.
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