TEMPE — Arizona State has begun an internal investigation into allegations of academic fraud and recruiting violations in its top-ranked baseball program.
Former player and team manager Mikel Moreno told the East Valley Tribune he had made the allegations to university officials, who launched the investigation.
The allegations involve academic fraud and recruiting improprieties, and other potential violations, the Tribune reported.
Virgil Renzulli, ASU's vice president of public affairs, confirmed that an investigation had begun but would not provide details.
"We take any accusations seriously, but accusations are accusations," Renzulli said. "It doesn't mean they're true. We realize that, at this stage, these are charges. Nothing has been proven."
The university has hired the Indianapolis-based Ice Miller law firm to handle the investigation.
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Coach Pat Murphy said in a statement that he welcomed the investigation, and he seemed confident it would turn up no major wrongdoing.
"Any investigation of any program in Division I may show minor hiccups from time to time, none with intent or adding any advantage, and most of which would be clerical or administrative error," Murphy said.
"I support the university and athletic department in doing their due diligence," he said. "They are right in looking into any and all accusations. You will clearly see what we are all about."
Moreno played for Arizona State from 1995 to 1998, batting .354 with 11 home runs and 56 RBIs on the Sun Devils' 1998 College World Series team. He served as a graduate manager on Murphy's staff last season.
Moreno could not be reached for comment.
The Sun Devils, ranked No. 1 in several polls, are 3-0 and play Michigan on Thursday night at ASU's Packard Stadium.
