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Missouri coach Frank Haith will not appeal NCAA’s suspension: “It’s time for closure”

NCAA Basketball Tournament - Practice Round - Omaha

OMAHA, NE - MARCH 15: Head coach Frank Haith of the Missouri Tigers addresses the media during a press conference prior to the second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at CenturyLink Center on March 15, 2012 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

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Earlier today, it was revealed that former Miami (FL) coach and current Missouri coach Frank Haith was suspended for the first five regular season games of the 2013-14 season for his role in a scandal at Miami (FL) involving notorious booster Nevin Shapiro, the NCAA announced.

Haith coached at Miami (FL) from 2004-11, and is embarking on his third season with Missouri. He has a career record of 182-117, with three appearances in the NCAA Tournament.

After the announcement from the NCAA, Haith released a statement:

While I strongly disagree with today’s report, and the inference on how the program was run at the University of Miami, as head basketball coach during that period, I accept responsibility for all actions in and around that program. This has been an excruciating ordeal for my family. An appeal, which would likely drag further into the season, would only prolong what has already been a lengthy and trying period of time for our student-athletes, the University of Missouri and our fans, and it’s time for closure. I’m pleased with the positive working relationship we have with our compliance staff at Mizzou and we will continue our focus in that area as we move forward. I am very humbled and grateful for the support that I have received from the University of Missouri, its leadership, and our tremendous fans.

Mike Alden, Missouri’s athletic director, echoed Haith’s statement:

We certainly recognize the serious nature of the allegations included in today’s report. At Missouri, we take great pride in our conduct with regard to NCAA rules and regulations. During his time here, Coach Haith has been forthright with me and our compliance staff throughout this long process. After all this time, Coach Haith, his family, the University of Missouri, our student-athletes, and our fans, deserve closure. We are extremely excited about the direction of our program and look forward to his continued leadership for our young men. I’m proud to have Frank Haith as our men’s basketball coach.

Haith will return in time to coach Missouri in the Las Vegas Invitational against Northwestern and Nevada.

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