On the air: interview focuses on impact of basketball allegations on University

McKinley Boston, vice president for Student Development and Athletics, called the academic fraud allegations "very embarrassing" for the University during a radio interview Thursday.

Boston, who has not granted an interview since the allegations surfaced in March, spoke with WCCO radio's Mike Max.

Boston said the academic counseling system at the University is sound, and that the dishonesty of one individual -- whom he did not name -- fueled the improprieties.

Jan Gangelhoff, a former academic counselor, admitted in March that she completed course work for several Gopher men's basketball players from 1993 to 1998.

"My sense, is that it could happen under any model," Boston said.

When asked about the implications of the investigation, he said: "Well, it's obviously been a very difficult time for the program, for anyone associated with the program, and I suspect, for the University proper."

Boston declined to speculate on the future of men's basketball head coach Clem Haskins during the interview.

"It's obviously been a very embarrassing situation for us all," he said. "In these kind of situations you are always second-guessing, but you have to be confident."

He said it has been a personal struggle to face the allegations, but said he does not fear losing his job. "I don't spend a lot of time worrying about that. I've worked hard supporting the University's mission."

University President Mark Yudof said Tuesday that he might make a decision regarding the fate of Haskins before the University finishes the academic fraud investigation in September.

Haskins denied any wrongdoing during a radio interview Monday and expressed regret that the allegations have hurt the University.

The coach also said he has no plans to resign and will finish out his coaching contract.

The ongoing investigation has the potential to harm men's basketball recruiting efforts, Boston said. Coaches can begin meeting with potential players July 8.

-- Compiled from wire reports.