NCAA enforcement staff keeps an eye on Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS – The NCAA is working here, seven members of its staff having been assigned to cover as much ground as possible this week among the approximately 900 teams competing in four prestigious basketball tournaments.

No, they’re not pulling suspected cheaters off the court and into a room for polygraph tests. “It isn’t about what happens in this gym that concerns us,” associate director of enforcement Richard A. Johanningmeier said.

Said Sandra C. Parrott, the NCAA’s assistant director of basketball certification, nodding toward the Las Vegas Strip, where discreet meetings occur over dinner or in hotel rooms: “What we’re worried about is what’s happening over there. This environment creates those opportunities.”

So, the enforcement crew is letting coaches know there’s an ally ready to investigate allegations of deceit.

“Part of the idea is that by developing the relationships, we’ll now have a better chance to be contacted by the coach who feels or knows there’s something out of whack,” said Johanningmeier, who introduced himself and handed business cards to coaches scouting a game featuring Los Angeles Fairfax star Renardo Sidney and Round Rock, Texas, standout John Henson.

Parrott said the NCAA staff in Las Vegas is also working to gather information about club teams and elite players, questioning the prospects and coaches about who is paying for the player.

Bill Self, coach of NCAA champion Kansas, said, “We need to police ourselves better. What’s even more appropriate than going to the NCAA is going to the coach you know is doing something wrong, and tell him you’re going to the NCAA. Be a man.”

 lance.pugmire@latimes.com