ESPN tour by UConn recruit raises questions

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Connecticut has responded to NCAA concerns that its women's basketball office helped arrange a private tour of Bristol-based ESPN for then-top recruit Maya Moore.

The tour, which might have violated NCAA rules because it may be considered a benefit not available to all UConn students, took place in October 2005 and included Moore and her mother, Kathryn.

UConn declined Wednesday to say whether the school self-reported the incident or whether the NCAA considered it a violation.

"The institution has worked with the NCAA on the matter and the association has taken no action," the school said in a brief statement.

Stacey Osburn, a spokeswoman for the NCAA said the organization does not comment on current, pending or potential investigations.

ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz confirmed that the network set up the tour for Moore and her mother after being contacted by a member of the UConn women's basketball office. The Storrs campus is about an hour drive from the Bristol studios.

Because of the questions raised over the tour, ESPN has changed its policy on how tours are arranged, Krulewitz said.

"To avoid any concern in the future, our tour policy will prohibit high school athletes from receiving tours at the request of a college or university athletic officials," Krulewitz said.