NCAA Certifies Eligibility of UCLA's Shabazz Muhammad

NCAA Certifies Eligibility of UCLA's Shabazz Muhammad


Freshman guard Shabazz Muhammad eligible to play Monday in Brooklyn

Nov. 16, 2012UCLA
Men's Basketball website


The NCAA released the following statement on Friday afternoon regarding the eligibility of UCLA freshman Shabazz Muhammad:

"The NCAA and UCLA have resolved the eligibility case of Shabazz Muhammad.

UCLA acknowledged amateurism violations occurred and asked the NCAA on Friday afternoon to reinstate Muhammad.

The university required the student-athlete to miss 10 percent of the season (three games) and repay approximately $1,600 in impermissible benefits.

The NCAA agreed the actions taken by the university were sufficient. Because Muhammad has already sat out three games, he is now eligible to compete. "

According to the facts of the case, which were agreed upon by the university and the NCAA staff, Muhammad accepted travel and lodging during unofficial visits to member schools. NCAA rules, which member schools create, state that student-athletes cannot receive benefits based on their athletic ability.

NCAA amateurism rules are in place so that when student-athletes step onto the court, they are competing against other student-athletes who have met the same standards.

"When a school discovers an NCAA rules violation has occurred, it must declare the student-athlete ineligible and may request the student-athlete's eligibility be reinstated.

The NCAA staff reviews each student-athlete reinstatement request individually based on its own merits and set of specific facts."

UCLA, its athletics compliance staff and the Muhammad family cooperated fully with the NCAA throughout the process.


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Following are statements from UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero, Men's Basketball Head Coach Ben Howland and Freshman Guard Shabazz Muhammad regarding the NCAA's reinstatement of the student-athlete this afternoon:


UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero

"We are extremely grateful that this matter has come to a conclusion. I want to recognize that a lot of long hours and tireless effort were put into this process by staff members from UCLA and the NCAA, as well as by Shabazz Muhammad's family. This entire process has been challenging on many fronts, but we believe strongly in the principles of fairness, integrity and due process. We are satisfied with the outcome and pleased that Shabazz will be able to join his teammates on the floor, representing UCLA in Brooklyn on Monday night."


UCLA Men's Basketball Coach Ben Howland
"I am relieved that this long, arduous process has come to an end. So many people worked very hard on this case and I am eternally grateful to them as well as the Bruin family, who stood by us throughout. I am pleased that Shabazz will be able to begin his collegiate career."


UCLA Freshman Guard Shabazz Muhammad
"I am excited to be able to play for UCLA starting next Monday. My family and friends were very supportive of me throughout this process and I couldn't have gone through this without them."