Kentucky Basketball Under NCAA Investigation

The University of Kentucky basketball program is under investigation by the National Collegiate Athletic Assn. for allegedly sending $1,000 to the father of Fairfax High School’s Chris Mills, whom the Wildcats signed to a letter of intent.

The investigation was announced in a letter from David Berst, the NCAA’s director of enforcement, who also wrote that “approximately 10 additional allegations” will be submitted to the school within the next 30 days.

Berst, who would not elaborate on the additional allegations, said: “It appears reasonable to expect that the NCAA committee on infractions may find a violation of NCAA legislation.”

The primary investigation stems from allegations that Wildcat assistant coach Dwane Casey sent a package on March 30 to Claud Mills, who announced Monday that his son will attend Kentucky despite the investigation.

Several employees of Emery Air Freight Corp. said that the package opened in transit, revealing $1,000 in cash. Casey has denied sending the money, and Chris and Claud Mills have denied receiving any.

Casey has filed a $6.9-million lawsuit against Emery, claiming that the company mishandled the package, defamed his character and violated his privacy. He also contended that he suffered “severe and grievous mental and emotional suffering.”

Kentucky President David Roselle, reading from a statement at a news conference, said: “I am saddened that a serious allegation has been made by the NCAA concerning the men’s basketball program . . .

”. . . We will defend the basketball program against any unfounded allegation, but we will take full responsibility for any wrongdoing judged to have occurred.”

Kentucky has won more games than any school in NCAA basketball history--1,453, and has lost just 457. Its winning percentage of .761 is also the highest and its five NCAA championships tie it for second with Indiana behind UCLA, which has 10.

Kentucky Coach Eddie Sutton, who was out of town, said in a statement issued through the school: “I can say unequivocally that I have not been involved in any wrongdoings, nor was I aware of improprieties that might damage the Kentucky basketball program or the university.”

Claud Mills said that he hoped his attorney will be given more information about the investigation by the NCAA, but that his son will be enrolled for the fall semester, which begins next month.