The University of Hawaii expects to know by Sept. 19 how much exposure it has in the on-going NCAA investigation of its men’s basketball program and have a recommendation on its best course of action.
According to terms of its contract with the school, the Alabama law firm of Lightfoot, Franklin & White is to provide an "assessment and proceeding plan." That includes undertaking a fact-finding investigation that will determine within 45 days of the Aug. 5 contract signing date the "strengths and weaknesses" of the case against UH.
In addition, the firm is being tasked to evaluate "the probable range of results" of the NCAA enforcement process as well as outline strategies for UH.
A copy of the agreement was obtained by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser under the state’s open records law.
The school has yet to receive a letter of allegations from the NCAA and athletic director Ben Jay said he doesn’t know when to expect one from an investigation that began more than four months ago. The UH Office of General Counsel is overseeing the case.
According to people who have been interviewed, the NCAA inquiry has included the areas of possible impermissible benefits for players, an allegation of an alteration to a certified document and practice times.
The Alabama firm is to receive up to $20,000, plus travel and expenses, for its services with the lead attorney, William H. King III, contracted to bill at a rate of $275 per hour.
Although the contract is through the school’s Office of Procurement and Real Property Management, the athletic department said it will be responsible for the costs.
The firm’s recent clients have included Texas A&M in the 2013 case of Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel’s eligibility and Auburn on the 2010 issue of Cam Newton’s eligibility for his Heisman season.
The Rainbow Warriors’ season opener is Nov. 14 against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the Outrigger Resorts Rainbow Classic.
