Indiana to conduct own investigation into allegations

Updated: February 16, 2008, 5:18 PM ET

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Indiana University Investigating Allegations

Indiana University Investigating AllegationsTags: Men's College Basketball, Indiana Hoosiers

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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Kelvin Sampson's future as Indiana's basketball coach could be determined by next week.

University president Michael McRobbie said Friday the school will conduct a new investigation into NCAA accusations that Sampson committed five major rules violations.

A school investigation last year revealed Sampson and his assistants made more than 100 impermissible calls. That occurred while Sampson was on NCAA probation for making 577 improper phone calls between 2000 and 2004 while coaching Oklahoma.

Athletic director Rick Greenspan, university counsel Dorothy Frapwell and faculty representative Bruce Jaffee were asked to run the investigation and then recommend by next Friday what steps the university should take.

"I fully understand the desire for us, by many people, to move quickly in bringing this situation to resolution," McRobbie said. "We intend to do just that."

Sampson reflected on the impact of the investigation Friday.

"I'm worried about my family, but I feel very bad for my 3 seniors ... DJ White, Lance Stemler, and Mike White," Sampson told ESPN's Erin Andrews. "This is their last year, and they have a chance to win a Big Ten championship. "

Schlabach: Sampson already done
There is nothing Kelvin Sampson can say or do to save his hide. He is a two-time loser when it comes to breaking NCAA rules, and his latest attempt at cutting corners has embarrassed Indiana, a school that prides itself on doing things the right way, writes Mark Schlabach. Story

An NCAA report Wednesday accused Sampson of providing false and misleading information to university and NCAA investigators, failing to promote a high standard of honesty in the program and not promoting an atmosphere of compliance.

Sampson said Wednesday he never intentionally provided false or misleading information to NCAA investigators.

During pregame introductions Wednesday, Sampson drew more boos than cheers, and university trustees have expressed disappointment over Indiana's predicament. The school has not been hit with a major NCAA infraction since 1960.

Sampson discussed the situation with his team on Wednesday.

"I addressed the team on Wednesday before the Wisconsin game and said this is an issue we are going to have to deal with...but this is it...There will be no more discussion on it after this," Sampson told Andrews. " It was a very difficult meeting for me to have. But we are such a close knit family, I don't worry about this affecting them."

Some fans want Sampson out, by dismissal or resignation. Others believe he should be suspended, but firing Sampson before the NCAA makes its expected ruling in June or July could cost the school at least $2.5 million.

Greenspan, who hired Sampson in March 2006, must recommend what the university does next.

"I am confident that president McRobbie has established a procedure that will lead to a fair resolution of these charges," Greenspan said in a statement. He left hurriedly after the news conference and did not take questions.

Sampson accepted the school's self-imposed sanctions in October by agreeing to forfeit a $500,000 pay raise and a scholarship for the 2008-09 season.

"I came here to play for Sampson. DJ [White] could've gone to the NBA," Indiana's Eric Gordon told Andrews. "To do this game-by-game thing, it makes our season seem worthless."

The Hoosiers (No. 12 ESPN/USA Today, No. 13 AP) are in the heat of the Big Ten title chase. They lost at home to Wisconsin (No. 14 ESPN/USA Today, No. 15 AP) on Wednesday -- less than 12 hours after the NCAA report was made public. They face Michigan State (No. 9 ESPN/USA Today, No. 10 AP) at home on Saturday. On Tuesday, the Hoosiers host Purdue (No. 23 ESPN/USA Today, No. 19 AP), the Big Ten leader. This stretch may determine whether Indiana stays in title contention.

Indiana has until May 8 to respond to the NCAA and faces a June 14 hearing before the infractions committee. A decision is expected within 30 days of the hearing.

If the Hoosiers wait until this summer for the NCAA to make its decision, the questions about Sampson could hurt recruiting and impede a possible coaching search.

The school could ask that the hearing be moved up to April, but there is no assurance that request would be granted.

"As president, I believe the most important measure of our success in intercollegiate athletics is not to be found in the won-loss columns," McRobbie said. "Rather it is how well we measure up to our own high standards of good sportsmanship, academic success, the welfare of our student-athletes and playing by the rules."

White has some thoughts as to what the school and the NCAA should do.

"Let us continue, and you can figure it out afterwards," White told Andrews. "I hope Indiana and the NCAA lets us finish up the season, play in the postseason with coach Kelvin Sampson on the bench & Then wait till its over to figure it out."

ESPN sideline reporter Erin Andrews and The Associated Press contributed to this report.