UCI Reports Possible Rules Violations

UC Irvine has reported possible NCAA rules violations by the men’s basketball program to the Big West Conference, Athletic Director Tom Ford said Monday.

Irvine Coach Rod Baker and assistant Tim Murphy visited several area high school coaches, including Mater Dei’s Gary McKnight, during the current “quiet period,� that began April 20 and continues through July 4. During a quiet period coaches are not allowed to recruit off their own college campuses.

Baker has said he was only seeking to introduce himself to coaches, not recruit players, but an NCAA official said the visits appear to be a violation.

Ford said he thinks any violations would be considered minor ones.