UCLA expects to file Shabazz Muhammad appeal with NCAA today

UCLA is expected to file a formal appeal with the NCAA on Wednesday afternoon regarding its decision to declare freshman basketball player Shabazz Muhammad ineligible due to a violation of amateurism rules, people close to the situation who were not authorized to speak publicly told The Times.

UCLA’s case is expected to be heard before the NCAA appeals committee this Friday, the people said.

If the committee sides with UCLA, Muhammad would likely become eligible immediately.

But if the committee ruled that a violation did occur, the appeal would be denied and Muhammad would have to go through the reinstatement process to regain his eligibility.

Both the appeals and reinstatement processes would be expedited, a person familiar with the situation said, “because the season is now underway,” meaning a decision could be reached as early as Friday.

The NCAA announced Friday, less than two hours before UCLA’s opener against Indiana State, that Muhammad was ineligible. UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero said that day that UCLA would appeal.

The NCAA has determined that Muhammad accepted travel and lodging from a financial advisor during unofficial visits to Duke and North Carolina. That advisor, Benjamin Lincoln, is the brother of an assistant coach at Las Vegas Bishop Gorman High, which Muhammad attended.

ALSO:

Attorney for Shabazz Muhammad releases statement

UCLA freshman Jordan Adams saves Bruins against UC Irvine

UCLA players wear “Free Shabazz” T-shirt during warmups; Ben Howland disapproves