Photo Illustration by Kevin B. Klaus/Arizona Daily Wildcat The UA's men's basketball team might have violated NCAA regulations by paying $80 in association with an incident last month in a Kansas hotel involving candy stolen from a vending machine.

The UA men's basketball team may have violated NCAA regulations when assistant coaches reimbursed a Kansas hotel $80 for candy on Jan. 25.

NCAA rules state that schools may provide three meals a day, or $10 for each meal, per player.

Following the Wildcats' 91-74 victory over Kansas, UA coaches reportedly gave $80 to desk assistant Michael Moore of the Marriott Spring Hill Suites in Lawrence, Kan.

But if the three players had already eaten food provided by the team, the $80 payment would exceed the amount allotted by NCAA standards.

Richard Paige, associate sports information director, called the payment a "goodwill gesture."

The NCAA has not made any official statements regarding the incident.

Arizona coaches, players, and staff have denied any involvement in the theft, and the athletics department has completed an internal investigation of the incident.

No disciplinary actions have been taken.

"The university officially has no comment," said spokesman Tom Duddleston. "Luke Walton said something after the game, but that's Luke Walton."

Walton referred only to the publicity the incident has received.

"I'm pissed off my name got put in all the papers after I told people I had nothing to do with it," Walton said. "It frustrates me. Some guy said he saw me. But I don't do stuff like that, and I absolutely did not do anything. I got my name in the paper anyhow, and I got a call from my grandma. Then I had to answer all these questions. There's really nothing to do but let it go and get on with the basketball season. I just hope these people realize that I had nothing to do with that stuff."

Students around campus reacted differently to what some media outlets have called "Candygate."

"More power to them," said business freshman David Carson. "It sucks that they got caught."

"I don't think it's true. It was only one witness," said journalism senior Marcelle Purdy.

Other students have maintained a neutral opinion.

"If it's true, it's a really stupid thing to do," said Julie Diegel, a veterinary science senior."

UA Athletics Director Jim Livengood could not be reached for comment.

Brian Penso contributed to this report