NCAA opens investigation into Arizona recruiting

TUCSON, Ariz. -- The NCAA is investigating Arizona's basketball program for alleged recruiting violations, according to a notice of inquiry sent to the school's president.

The Arizona Daily Star reported on its website that the allegations stem from initially self-reported violations involving a recruiting event at the McKale Center, where the Wildcats play.

The NCAA began looking into the matter last year after Arizona reported that then-coach Lute Olson asked donors to give money to support the event, which brings in hundreds of elite athletes for recruitment.

NCAA rules say a school or coach cannot offer or arrange financial assistance, directly or indirectly, to pay for a recruit's expenses before his university enrollment.

Penalties for violations could include loss of scholarships and recruiting visits.

In its Feb. 6 letter to the university, the NCAA told school president Robert Shelton that it plans to finish the investigation by May 1.