MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis is launching an investigation into whether athletic director Tom Bowen had a conflict of interest while negotiating basketball coach Josh Pastner's 2013 raise and contract extension.
University President David Rudd said in a statement Tuesday the school is "aware of the accusations" and is "retaining an outside source to conduct the review."
The Memphis Commercial Appeal first reported the investigation, noting that Pastner and Bowen were once both represented by Joey McCutchen's NextLevel Sports. Bowen told the newspaper he ended NextLevel's representation in 2012.
Pastner received a raise from $1.7 million to $2.65 million in 2013. Under terms of that raise, Memphis would have owed Pastner $10.6 million if it had fired him this month.
Rudd and Bowen issued a joint statement Friday saying Pastner would be retained.