NCAA Clears UCLA, Cotton, Davis

No evidence of rule violations by UCLA has been found during an NCAA investigation into two late-model cars driven by basketball recruits Schea Cotton and Baron Davis--although an NCAA enforcement official said Friday that the matter is not closed.

Documentation provided by Cotton’s parents and Lisa Hodoh, Davis’ older sister, regarding the players’ leased 1997 Ford sport-utility vehicles has been reviewed to the NCAA’s satisfaction.

The documentation did not indicate that the vehicles, leased from the same dealership in Orange County, were provided as an inducement for the prep stars to attend UCLA, or that Cotton and Davis had violated rules regarding amateurism.

However, according to NCAA policy, the investigation will be revisited if the enforcement department receives further information. And investigators would still like to speak with Pat Barrett, a longtime Southland youth-league coach, and an associate of his who works in the automobile purchasing business. Both men were part of the focus of the summer-long probe.

“Our compliance office has been told by the NCAA that it is satisfied with the material that has been provided regarding the purchase of the vehicles,” said Marc Dellins, UCLA sports information director. “You never know what’s going to happen [with investigations], but it sounds like the material at their disposal answered the questions.”

The NCAA does not comment on its investigations, but it will discuss the accuracy of statements released by member institutions. Rich Hilliard, a member of the organization’s enforcement staff, confirmed that his office had informed Rich Herczog, UCLA director of compliance, of the investigation’s findings Thursday.

“Subject to any additional information being reported to this office, it does not appear that a rules violation has been committed regarding anyone at the University of California at Los Angeles,” said Hilliard, one of four directors of enforcement. “And I want to stress that I’m only speaking about the situation as it relates to [UCLA].

“We don’t close the door as it relates to what may happen in the future. For whatever reason, if we were to receive additional information, either tomorrow, a week from now, or a month from now, we would continue to investigate because that’s what we do.”

James and Gaynell Cotton, Schea’s parents, said they spoke with Hilliard on Friday morning and he thanked them for their cooperation. The Cottons said they feel vindicated.

“Thank the Lord this is over,” said Gaynell Cotton. “This weight has finally been lifted off of my child. I finally feel good again.”

The investigation began when the NCAA learned that the recruits had obtained the vehicles through the same dealership, Ford of Orange. At issue was whether Barrett assisted the players in leasing the cars with the help of an associate, a car wholesaler.

Barrett has coached both Cotton, a swing man from Bellflower St. John Bosco, and Davis, a point guard from Santa Monica Crossroads. Barrett did not return phone calls Friday.

Pacific 10 Conference officials previously investigated the purchase of a 1991 Chevy Blazer by Davis’ sister, which was registered to former Bruin Coach Jim Harrick. The Pac-10 also looked into the lease agreement for the current vehicle Davis drives. This probe, which also examined whether Barrett paid for stereo equipment for the players’ vehicles, was separate from the other Pac-10 inquiries. Baron Davis and Lisa Hodoh were not available for comment Friday.