Alleged book-scam probe nearly complete, lawyer says

Attorney Carry Sandman said he was about a month away from concluding his inquiry, which asks if the University of Arizona athletic department could be penalized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association in connection with the alleged scam.

Former UA starting safety Mikal Smith, 20, and reserve cornerback Leland Gayles, 20, were arrested June 11 after police discovered 67 textbooks in the trunk of Gayles' car outside the Arizona Bookstore, 815 N. Park Ave.

This summer, the University of Arizona Police Department checked athletic department records and discovered $6,850 worth of books missing, Sgt. Sal Celi said. He said UAPD is continuing its investigation.

Mike Fisher, the athletic department's academic coordinator, whose duties included facilitating distribution of textbooks to athletes, left the department near the end of the summer. Officials would not disclose the reason for his departure.

Gayles and Smith, who have been indicted in connection with the alleged scam, are accused of using book vouchers stolen from the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics to purchase textbooks at university-area stores. The players allegedly sold the books back for 50 percent of their value - the going rate without a receipt.

Gayles and Smith agreed to pursue a plea bargain at a Sept. 12 pre-trail hearing.

Sandman's probe analyzed procedures used to distribute books to student athletes and will include recommendations for changes, he said.

The UA hired Sandman to look into the matter to ensure a non-biased investigation, university attorney Mike Proctor said.

Sandman would not comment on the investigation's status, saying only he had not found "any dramatic problems" with the program.

Once complete, Sandman will submit his report to Pacific 10 Conference officials.