Also, Indiana basketball coach Bob Knight recently was quoted as questioning whether basketball officials could be involved with gamblers. Knight did not give any specifics. Saum said if Knight has any specific information he would be glad to talk with him. Dempsey said it is unclear whether outside investigators or in-house personnel would be used to conduct officials' background checks. The NCAA only has jurisdiction over the 96 officials who work the tournament.
Conferences control officials during the regular season.
The plan will be considered in February by the NCAA championships cabinet and must eventually be approved by the Board of Directors. Saum said he hopes to have it in place by the fall. Anybody associated with the games is at risk. Saum said the Association expects no legal challenges to the plan. He added that Hank Nichols, who oversees officials for the NCAA, approves of the background checks.