Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - UCLA guard/forward Shabazz Muhammad has
been ruled ineligible due to a violation of NCAA amateurism rules, the school
announced prior to Friday's season-opener against Indiana State.
Muhammad is widely considered to be one of college basketball's top freshmen.
The NCAA is reportedly investigating connections Muhammad's family had with a
pair of financial agents.
"The NCAA has finally determined that a violation of the NCAA amateurism rules
has occurred involving UCLA freshman guard Shabazz Muhammad and his family. As
a result, he is ineligible for competition at this time. We are extremely
disappointed that the NCAA has made this determination," UCLA athletics
director Dan Guerrero said in a statement.
"The University and our compliance staff have fully cooperated with the NCAA
throughout this entire period, and we believe the decision is incorrect and
unjust to Shabazz. UCLA will expeditiously pursue its options to challenge
this determination. When a final resolution has been reached by the NCAA, we
will swiftly communicate the news to the entire Bruin family."
Muhammad, who has been out since Oct. 25 with a shoulder sprain, played at
Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas.
The Sports Network