Probe Sought Into Possible Brian Williams Tampering

The University of Maryland has asked the National Collegiate Athletic Assn. to investigate the possibility that another school tampered with Brian Williams before the 6-foot 10-inch center from St. Monica High School in Santa Monica was released to transfer.

Williams, who started 29 games and was named to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference freshman team, has mentioned that he would like to return to the West Coast and said last week that he will be taking summer classes at UCLA.

Maryland Athletic Director Lew Perkins said Thursday that the request is not directed at any school in particular. Earlier this week, Perkins told The Times that “There was no problem as far as we’re concerned” with UCLA.

The Washington Post, citing unidentified Maryland sources, said the NCAA will probably focus its investigation on the possible influence exerted by two Southern Californians, Brad Luster and Benny Davenport, on Williams. Both are coaches for the Westside Blazers, a summer-league team Williams played for.

Luster and Davenport said they have kept in touch with Williams but laughed at the suggestion that they were involved in his decision. Both also said they have not spoken with the NCAA.

Davenport, a Los Angeles resident, worked in the telecommunications department at UCLA until he was laid off last August.