DURHAM, N.C. _ After a five-month investigation into lawyer Michael Avenatti's allegations that Nike paid athletes, including Zion Williamson, to attend college basketball programs it sponsored, Duke "found no evidence" the former Blue Devils basketball star's eligibility was compromised, according to information provided exclusively to The News & Observer on Friday.
Duke spokesman Michael Schoenfeld, in an email to The News & Observer, confirmed the university's investigation was completed with no findings of any NCAA violations involving Williamson, the 2019 ACC player of the year.
"As soon as Duke was made aware of any allegation that might have affected Zion Williamson's eligibility, we conducted a thorough and objective investigation which was directed by individuals outside the athletics department," Schoenfeld wrote. "We found no evidence to support any allegation. Zion thrived as both a student and an athlete at Duke, and always conducted himself with integrity and purpose."
Duke declined to offer any further details of the investigation.
Avenatti, in a statement to the News & Observer Friday night, said that Duke didn't seek information from him as part of its investigation. Without providing further documentation, he repeated his claim that Nike paid Williamson and that Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski was not only aware of the payment, but has been part of such payments to players for years.
"I never heard from anyone associated with Duke in connection with my allegations or any investigation," Avenatti said. "I was never asked a single question. I was never asked what information or documents that I was aware of. Who the hell conducted this investigation? Inspector Clouseau? The documents and the hard evidence do not lie. Zion Williamson was paid to attend Duke. Coach K has made and facilitated payments to players for years. And when the truth comes out _ and eventually it will _ Coach K and Duke's reputation will be forever and rightfully tarnished."
"And if what I am saying is untrue, I challenge Coach K and Duke University to file a defamation lawsuit against me tomorrow and we can let the chips fall where they may."
Duke officials declined to comment about Avenatti's statement.
The U.S. Justice Department has charged Avenatti with attempting to extort $25 million from Nike. Avenatti, who has plead not guilty, was representing former California youth basketball coach Gary Franklin, who claimed Nike ended its sponsorship of his team because he failed to participate in a pay-for-play scheme involving high school basketball stars.
