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UCLA compliance reportedly looking into Shabazz Muhammad’s Gucci backpack

Indiana State v UCLA

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 09: Ineligble player Shabazz Muhammad of the UCLA Bruins sits on the bench during the game with the Indiana State Sycamores at Pauley Pavilion on November 9, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

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The UCLA compliance department is taking a look at the Gucci-brand backpack that freshman Shabazz Muhammad wore during postgame interviews, following the Bruins’ win over No. 6 Arizona on Thursday.

ESPNLosAngeles.com was the first to report about the inquiry, stemming from a column written by Yahoo!'s Pat Forde that highlighted the fact that Muhammad was wearing the bag. Muhammad opted to wear the bag instead of the standard UCLA backpack issued by the team.

“Our compliance is handling it,” coach Ben Howland told ESPN. “They’re very professional and we’re aware of the situation.”

Muhammad’s sister, Asia, attempted to clear up the situation via Twitter, saying the backpack was a gift from her and Muhammad’s mother, even offering to present a receipt as proof.

Muhammad was in the news earlier this season as the NCAA held him out of UCLA’s first three games as it investigated allegations that he took impermissible benefits during his recruitment. He was ordered to repay $1,600 at the conclusion of the investigation.

Daniel Martin is a writer and editor at JohnnyJungle.com, covering St. John’s. You can find him on Twitter:@DanielJMartin_