UCLA’s Shabazz Muhammad won’t go to China while NCAA investigates

UCLA standout freshman Shabazz Muhammad is not expected to travel with the Bruins on an exhibition tour to China next week, according to a source familiar with the situation who was not authorized to speak.

The NCAA investigation is reportedly investigating financial dealings between Muhammad’s family and friends. He will remain behind, attending classes at UCLA, while the team heads for China for a three-game tour that begins Aug. 22.

NCAA officials have spoken with Muhammad, but have yet to talk with his family. The decision was made to have Muhammad stay home while the investigation is in progress, the source said.

The NCAA is looking into whether Muhammad received improper benefits, to pay for unofficial trips to schools, from Benjamin Lincoln, CBSSports.com reported in February. Lincoln’s brother, Geoff Lincoln, is an assistant at Las Vegas Bishop Gorman High School, where Muhammad played.

The NCAA is also investigating financial help from Ken Kavanagh, a New York financial planner who helped fund Muhammad’s summer team, the Las Vegas-based Dream Vision Foundation. Kavanagh has said he is a longtime friend of the family.

CBSSports.com reported that the NCAA contacted schools in February to make them aware of its interest.

UCLA officials could not be reached for comment.

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