NCAA rejects former UConn coach’s appeal

HARTFORD, CONN. » An NCAA panel on Wednesday rejected an appeal by former UConn men’s basketball coach Kevin Ollie, who sought to overturn findings that he violated ethical conduct rules while leading the Huskies.

The NCAA Division I Infractions Appeals Committee ruled Ollie failed to prove that information he presented alleging witnesses against him lied outweighed the information that supported the violation findings.

In July 2019, the NCAA Committee on Infractions placed the UConn program on two years of probation and sanctioned Ollie individually for numerous violations of NCAA rules during his tenure.

The NCAA issued a three-year, show-cause order for the former head coach for failing to promote an atmosphere of compliance, providing misleading statements to investigators, and failing to monitor his staff.

Ollie’s attorney, Jacques Parenteau, criticized the appeal panel’s ruling.

“It is disgraceful this committee refused to consider the ample evidence produced by counsel for Kevin Ollie showing that witnesses had lied,” Parenteau wrote in an email. “Throughout this process the NCAA has repeatedly demonstrated that its number one priority is to protect UConn, its member, and will eagerly do so at the expense of Kevin Ollie’s rights.”

Sarr transferring to Ky.

LEXINGTON, KY. » Former Wake Forest center Olivier Sarr said he is transferring to Kentucky, giving the Wildcats an experienced

7-footer after the team’s entire starting lineup declared for the NBA draft.

Sarr was the Demon Deacons’ second-leading scorer (13.7 points per game) and top rebounder

(9.0) last season and made the All-ACC third team.