Miller denies impropriety allegations: My reputation has been 'impugned'

Arizona men's basketball coach Sean Miller read a terse statement before gathered reporters Thursday, denying any involvement in reported NCAA violations.

"I am sickened that we are in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons," Miller said. "I have never knowingly violated NCAA rules while serving as head coach of this great program."

An ESPN report last week indicated Miller was recorded on wiretaps discussing a $100,000 payment to star recruit Deandre Ayton with Christian Dawkins, a former NBA agency assistant who was later arrested in an FBI sweep.

Miller strenuously denied this.

"I cannot remain silent in light of media reports that have impugned the reputation of me and sullied the name of a tremendous young man, Deandre Ayton," Miller said. "Any reporting to the contrary is inaccurate, false and defamatory."

Eliminating any discussion that he would resign, Miller ended the statement without taking questions, saying, "I now intend to turn my focus to basketball, our players and this team."

The Arizona Board of Regents was set to meet later Thursday to get legal advice and discuss Miller's contract.

Miller sat out last weekend's loss to Oregon, but Ayton played.