Arizona's Olson faces divorce proceeding as team preps for Illini

TUCSON, Ariz. - Arizona basketball coach Lute Olson, on leave of absence from his team, is facing a divorce proceeding.

The divorce petition was filed in Pima County Superior Court on Thursday, the same day the 73-year-old coach said he would extend his leave through the end of the season, court spokesman Dave Ricker said Friday. It's not clear whether Olson or wife Christine, who is 23 years younger, filed for divorce.

Ricker said he has not seen the petition, and legal records supervisor Ray Rivas in the clerk's office says court rules bar public scrutiny of divorce petitions until the filer's spouse has been served or 45 days have passed.

The filing was first reported online by the Tucson Citizen and the Arizona Daily Star.

Olson has cited unspecified personal reasons for taking a leave.

In a statement released by the university Thursday announcing Olson's leave extension, the Hall of Famer said he plans to return to coach the Wildcats for the 2008-09 season.

"There are personal issues within my family that need to be addressed and I must devote my full energy to that," Olson said in the statement.

Gordon James, a public relations executive who has represented the Olsons, had no comment other than to say, "Mrs. Olson is en route from New York and will be issuing a statement." James said her flight was expected to arrive Friday evening.

Athletic director Jim Livengood, in Chicago with the team, said: "There's no comment from me. It's a personal family matter and should be addressed appropriately."

The No. 22 Wildcats (5-2) play Illinois on Saturday.