Sean Miller is adamant that he has done nothing wrong.
The University of Arizona head coach denied "knowingly" violating any NCAA rules during his tenure with the program at a press conference on Thursday and ripped ESPN, though did not mention them by name, for publishing a story that alleged he was involved in paying money to secure a recruit.
"I have never paid a recruit or prospect or their family or representative to come to Arizona. I never have and I never will," he said. "I have never arranged or directed payment or any improper benefits to any recruit or prospect or their family or representative and I never will."
Miller's press conference was brief, speaking for only four minutes and he did not take any questions as he addressed the allegations that he was caught on an FBI wiretap with former ASM Sports employee Christian Dawkins where he discussed a $100,000 payment to secure recruit Deandre Ayton.
The federal investigation remains ongoing, limiting what Miller could say, but he wanted to clear his name from the original ESPN report, which he lambasted during his statement.
"I cannot remain silent in light of media reports that have impugned the reputation of me, the university and sullied the name of a tremendous young man, DeAndre Ayton," he said. "Let me be very, very clear: I have never discussed with Christian Dawkins paying Deandre Ayton to attend the University of Arizona. In fact, I never even met or spoke with Christian Dawkins until after Deandre publicly announced he was coming to our school. Any reporting to the contrary is inaccurate, false and defamatory.
"I'm outraged by the media statements that have been made and the acceptance by many that these statements were true. There was no such conversation. These statements damaged me, my family, the university, Deandre Ayton and his incredible family. The only attempted corrections of the immediate source of these statements are still inaccurate and completely false."
Ayton played in Arizona's most recent game against Oregon on Saturday and the attorney for the university said there was "not a shred of evidence" that suggested he accepted any improper benefits.
Miller claims only once during his time at the University of Arizona did someone approach him about playing a player to commit to the school.
"I did not agree to it. It never happened and that player did not come to the University of Arizona," he said. "Out of respect for this ongoing investigation, the privacy of that student-athlete and his family, I am not going to share further details concerning this matter."
The original report that implicated Miller surfaced last Friday and the head coach decided it was in the best interest of his team to not coach the next day against Oregon.
Miller will continue to coach the team the rest of the season and does not plan on addressing the controversy again.
Sean Miller on FBI tape talking $100k payment to recruit: report
"I have been completely open and transparent and I look forward to coaching this outstanding team as we look forward to capture the Pac-12 regular season championship this week," he said. "I now intend to return my focus to basketball and our players and this team. I once again want to express my thanks to all of those who have supported me and this now completes my statement on this matter."
