The University of Hawaiʻi accepts the sanctions announced today by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in its investigation into the UH men’s basketball team under former head coach Gib Arnold. Though the university is disappointed with the extent of the punishment, particularly the post-season ban and its impact to the student-athletes, UH acknowledges that mistakes were made and offers no excuses.
“It is time move on from this unfortunate chapter in UH athletics history,” said UH Athletics Director David Matlin. “It is important for us to show our commitment to the highest levels of integrity and competence and most importantly, this is an example we need to set for our student athletes and that’s winning with integrity.
The NCAA investigation began with UH’s discovery and prompt self-reporting of a violation involving a then assistant men’s basketball coach. From the outset of the investigation, the university worked closely with the enforcement staff and has cooperated fully.
UH has also already taken steps to further empower and support the compliance staff including:
- adding a compliance staff position that focuses on rules education,
- increasing the compliance team’s attendance at practice,
- increasing booster education, including running ads in the newspaper and mailing an education flier out with season tickets, and
- increasing student athlete awareness and education, with meetings regarding the NCAA compliance rules at the start and end of the year.
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“I am confident that we have the right leaders in place to ensure that our athletics programs are run with the highest level of integrity,” said UH Mānoa Chancellor Robert Bley-Vroman. “David Matlin has made great strides in this area with his recent head coach hires of Eran Ganot and Nick Rolovich. Both of these coaches exhibit the character and integrity that we expect of our student-athletes. I have no doubt that our men’s basketball program, under Eran’s leadership, will once again establish itself as a top Division I program in the Big West Conference.”
“The priority has and will always be about the student-athletes and we will continue to respect the process, be accountable and move forward,” added UH men’s basketball coach Ganot.
For more information read the NCAA news release or download the infractions decision.