Washington Hires Special Investigators for Football

Two nationally recognized specialists in NCAA athletic probes have been hired by the University of Washington to investigate the Huskies’ football program, school officials saidTuesday.

Michael Glazier of the Overland Park, Kan., law firm of Bond, Schoeneck & King will head the investigation, the university said in a statement. Richard Evrard, of the same firm, will assist Glazier.

Glazier and Evrard, one-time NCAA staff members, are specialists in NCAA and conference infraction and compliance matters. “We have engaged a firm that is uniquely qualified to investigate alleged rules violations in university sports programs,” said provost Laurel Wilkening, who will oversee the investigation. “I am confident they will conduct a thorough and complete investigation. They have been instructed to leave no stone unturned.”

Several former Huskies have accused Washington boosters of providing cash, jobs and extra benefits to players in violation of NCAA rules in a Times article last week. The investigators also will examine $50,000 in loans received by former Husky quarterback Billy Joe Hobert.

“Most schools when they have hired Glazier and Evrard realize some mistakes have been made,” NCAA enforcement director Bob Minnix told the Tacoma Morning News Tribune. “These are not advocates in the sense of, ‘I know you’re guilty but it’s my job to get you off.’ ”