Romar Denies Role in Givens’ Attempted Transfer From UCLA

Pepperdine basketball Coach Lorenzo Romar said Tuesday that he has played no role in UCLA center omm’A Givens’ attempt to transfer to Pepperdine, as was suggested Monday by Bruin Athletic Director Peter Dalis.

Givens, a 6-foot-10 sophomore, is appealing a decision by UCLA, which denied his request to be released from his scholarship.

Dalis said he believes that Romar, a former UCLA assistant, reneged on an agreement not to recruit Bruin players after he was hired as Pepperdine coach in February.

“I’m not going to get into any type of verbal exchange in this matter,” Romar said. “Irespect UCLA, Pete Dalis and [UCLA Coach] Jim Harrick too much to get into anything likethat.

“But I know in clear conscience that I have not done anything unethical. I have not recruited any of UCLA’s players to come to play at Pepperdine.”