Marquette men’s hoops reports potential violation

Marquette has reported a possible rules violation involving its men’s basketball program to the NCAA, athletic director Larry Williams said Thursday.

The nature of the violation was not disclosed.

“Recently, during the athletic department’s normal course of business, we discovered information regarding a possible NCAA rules violation involving our men’s basketball program,” Williams said. “Marquette University takes these matters seriously. Upon learning the information, we followed established protocols and reported the matter directly to the NCAA.”

Williams said the school is conducting a joint review with the NCAA and has no further comment.

Marquette coach Buzz Williams is 96-45 in four years as coach, including 46-26 in Big East play. The Golden Eagles have advanced to the NCAA tournament in all four seasons since Williams took over for Tom Crean, including back-to-back appearances in the regional semifinals.

Marquette was 27-8 overall and 14-4 in the Big East last year, losing to Florida in its second straight regional semifinal.

Larry Williams was hired as the school’s vice president and director of athletics in December. He replaced Steve Cottingham, who resigned in June as school and athletic department officials faced questions about how they handled two cases of alleged sexual assault involving unidentified athletes.

Courtesy of http://nbcsports.msnbc.com