Kentucky basketball internal review finds 'no eligibility issues or rules violations'

Fletcher Page

Courier Journal

Kentucky coach John Caipari takes questions from reporters during a press conference Friday afternoon in Lexington.
February 23, 2018

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky determined "there were no eligibility issues" after an internal review following a report of potential violations of NCAA regulations in college basketball.

"The University of Kentucky immediately reviewed the matter and, based on the available information, determined that there were no eligibility issues or rules violations for any current student-athletes or staff to Friday’s report," the school announced Saturday. "Kentucky will continue to work diligently with both the NCAA and the Southeastern Conference."

The names of Kentucky basketball leading scorer Kevin Knox and two former players, Bam Adebayo and Nerlens Noel, surfaced in documents showing potential financial improprieties involving former NBA agent Andy Miller.

The documents obtained by Yahoo Sports include financial spreadsheets from Miller's ASM Sports agency. They also detail improper payments — and potential violations of NCAA regulations — involving current and former players at Duke, North Carolina, Michigan State and other schools.

Background:John Calipari says Kevin Knox likely to play against Missouri

Report:Kentucky basketball players among those linked to potential NCAA violations

Knox, the freshman forward who is averaging 15.4 points and 5.6 rebounds, was listed among players as meeting with or having meals with Christian Dawkins, an associate of Miller. Duke's Wendell Carter, Michigan State’s Miles Bridges, Alabama’s Collin Sexton and North Carolina's Tony Bradley, among others, were included with Knox.

Adebayo, who spent last season at Kentucky and now plays for the Miami Heat, received payments for $12,000 and $36,000, according to the documents. Noel, who played one season at UK from 2012-13, was listed as receiving a loan totaling $4,350.

The Wildcats (19-9, 8-7 Southeastern Conference) host Missouri Saturday night in Rupp Arena.

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