NCAA to Question Fullerton

The NCAA is conducting a preliminary inquiry into the Cal State Fullerton athletic program and is planning interviews on campus next week, a Fullerton official said Monday.

Judith Anderson, executive assistant to university President Milton Gordon, said she could not say which sport or sports are involved, or who might be interviewed. Anderson said she expects to receive “more specifics” next week.

“We really believe that integrity is the cornerstone of Cal State Fullerton athletics, and we welcome the inquiry and are cooperating fully,” said Anderson, who oversees the athletic department for Gordon.

The Times reported in August that two former members of the Fullerton athletic department were questioned by an NCAA investigator about men’s basketball recruiting during the summer of 1993, when Brad Holland was head coach.

Holland resigned to become basketball coach at the University of San Diego in 1994. He could not be reached for comment Monday.

The Fullerton athletic director at the time, Bill Shumard, who is now athletic director at Long Beach State, acknowledged in August being questioned, as did former assistant basketball coach Chris Brazier.

The questioning centered on allegations that four Titan men’s basketball recruits received living expenses, free housing, transportation and tuition payment for summer school and correspondence courses, which violates NCAA rules forbidding “extra benefits” for student athletes.

Various Fullerton coaches said the coaching staff was informed of the inquiry by Athletic Director John Easterbrook in a meeting last Thursday. Coaches said the group received no indication about which sports might be involved, but were told that those who will be interviewed would be notified later.

Easterbrook referred questions about the inquiry to Anderson and declined further comment.

The NCAA does not comment on investigations, but Charles E. Smrt, director of enforcement, said the notification to a school of preliminary inquiry is a step that indicates the NCAA enforcement staff sees a need for further review of information it has received.

“That may entail going on campus one or more times,” Smrt said. “After a letter of preliminary inquiry is sent, the school must be notified every six months of the status of the inquiry.”

Later, after the NCAA staff completes its investigation, the university will either be sent a letter of official inquiry, or notified the preliminary inquiry has being dropped.