usc's dave miller

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SoCalHoops Recruiting News

USC Investigating Allegations
Against Asst. Dave Miller? Maybe--(Apr. 28, 2001)

Thursday's LA Times reported (evidently erroneously according to a later version of the story in today's Daily News) that USC's Nate Hair had allegedly filed a civil lawsuit against USC assistant men's basketball coach Dave Miller claiming that Miller "physically harrassed" Hair. According to today's Daily News, no such lawsuit has been filed, but the paper did confirm with USC attorneys that there is "an investigation" and that it involves Miller. Everyone thus far is declining comment so it's really impossible to ascertain what the "investigation" actually encompasses. The best insight into the story is today's Daily News piece by staff writer Scott Wolf. Here are some excerpts:

USC assistant target of probe
By Scott Wolf
Daily News Staff Writer

USC is investigating claims that sophomore basketball player Nate Hair was physically harassed by assistant coach Dave Miller.

The university's Office of Equity and Diversity has launched a formal investigation into the alleged incident, which took place during a team shootaround at the Sports Arena in February of 2000.

USC coach Henry Bibby was not believed to be present during the alleged incident. According to sources, investigators already have interviewed a witness who has backed up Hair's version of events.

Contrary to a published report, Hair has not filed a lawsuit against Miller or USC.

Neither Hair nor Miller could be reached for comment.

Sources said the investigation is expected to be completed within two weeks. University lawyer Kelly Bendell confirmed the investigation into Miller but declined further comment.

If there is such an investigation, it would be the third time in two years that a controversy has involved the talented lead recruiting assistant for USC. About a year and a half ago, the Pac-10 investigated allegations that USC star player Sam Clancy had been paid $25,000 prior to enrolling at USC. That investigation turned up no evidence to support the allegations. And this past year, Miller was also alleged to have made remarks to a junior college coach, to the effect that he purportedly offered money to the coach of College of Southern Idaho in connection with the recruiting of former CSI player Jerry Dupree. Miller has denied making any such statements at any time.