Montini: Sean Miller is guilty … of being a distraction

University of Arizona basketball coach Sean Miller says he will be vindicated.

I’m not sure that is true.

What is true, however, is that it does not matter.

He’s done at Arizona. He’s probably done as a basketball coach, period. But definitely at UA.

Sean Miller is guilty … of being a distraction.

Maybe more.

But in today’s world, being a distraction is enough.

Being a distraction is enough

ESPN reported that the FBI had taped phone conversations in which Miller speaks of possible big money payments to make sure that Deandre Ayton (now a star player with the team) sign with the Wildcats.

Aynton and his family and an attorney hired by UA say the player has done nothing wrong.

The ESPN story didn’t implicate him. and he and his family vehemently deny demanding or taking money.

The attorney, Paul Kelly, released a statement that read in part:

“Over the past several months, Mr. Ayton has voluntarily submitted to several interviews, by federal prosecutors and the FBI (and others)… In each of these interviews, Mr. Ayton has credibly and consistently maintained that neither he or nor any member of his family, nor any representative thereof, received any money or extra benefit to influence his decision to attend the University of Arizona. Not a shred of evidence has been adduced suggesting otherwise, which federal investigators and NCAA officials have acknowledged.”

Underworld of college sports

Last year, Miller’s assistant coach Emanuel "Book" Richardson was arrested at part of the FBI’s investigation into the long suspected pay-to-play underworld of college sports.

It’s an ugly business. And it will not fade away. It should not fade away, until the federal investigation – and subsequent prosecutions – play themselves out.

EDITORIAL:Sean Miller trashed UA. Don't take joy in that, ASU fans

Given that, it really doesn’t matter if Miller ultimately is vindicated.

He’s done as a coach.

As long as he is around the program the first and second and third (and so on) questions in any press conference would – correctly – having to do with the allegations and investigation.

Anyone in a high-profile, high-paying job like Miller's is eventually going to have to deal with controversy. Often, it will involve some allegation of wrongdoing. The serious of such allegations vary, which makes some easier to weather than others.

This one isn't going away. If anything, it appears there is a wide net being cast and other high-profile individuals and programs already snagged. The details just haven't come out yet. 

Lots of nervous coaches out there

There are probably a bunch of coaches, players and others connected with college sports who are sweating out what the feds might have on them.

But, for now, Miller is the poster boy.

And, like it or not, it’s a wanted poster.

And, fair or not, being implicated in such a sleazy business makes him guilty – at the very least – of being a distraction.

In today’s world, that’s enough to cost a coach his job.

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