UCLA to investigate Gucci backpack

[Tugg Speedman]

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/8882189/ucla-compliance-probe-shabazz-muhammad-gucci-backpack

UCLA to investigate Gucci backpack

TEMPE, Ariz. -- UCLA's compliance department is looking into the designer backpack star freshman Shabazz Muhammad wore during postgame interviews Thursday night after he scored 23 points in the Bruins' 84-73 upset of No. 6 Arizona.

"Our compliance is handling it," coach Ben Howland said. "They're very professional and we're aware of the situation."

Most UCLA athletes use school-issued backpacks that include the school logo, the sport they play and their uniform number. Muhammad, however, was sporting what appeared to be a Gucci backpack. The Gucci website shows men's backpacks ranging in price from $990 to $2,370.

Nobody asked Muhammad about the backpack during the interview session, so it's unclear if it's real or a knockoff or how a college student came about owning such a pricey bag. Howland declined to say whether the issue was being overblown.

"I don't want to even give an opinion," Howland said.

Yahoo! Sports earlier reported that Muhammad was wearing the Gucci bag.

[Mufflers]

His sister is a professional tennis player and gave it to him for his birthday.  Reporters should really get an understanding of the players family means before escalating something like this.  Just like Teo, not enough background is done.  Reporting is dumbed down in the Internet age.

[forgetful]

His sister is a professional tennis player and gave it to him for his birthday.  Reporters should really get an understanding of the players family means before escalating something like this.  Just like Teo, not enough background is done.  Reporting is dumbed down in the Internet age.

His sister in 5 years of professional tennis has made ~ $88,000.  Clearly the less than $18,000 per year salary is sufficient to buy a $2000 backpack.

They are rightfully looking into it.  

Remember, the family has taken money to pay for his travels to UCLA and other recruiting visits that almost cost him his eligibility.

[avid1010]

does it matter if the kid comes from money or not?

[chapman]

After the intensity of the last investigation he's pretty dumb to even draw attention to himself by displaying that in public, even if it was a gift from his sister.

[Dawson Rental]

does it matter if the kid comes from money or not?

Of course.  Provided that if he is from money, that money becomes a credible source of the Gucci backpack in question.

[4everwarriors]

Didn't know Muhammad was Asian.

[Mufflers]

His sister in 5 years of professional tennis has made ~ $88,000.  Clearly the less than $18,000 per year salary is sufficient to buy a $2000 backpack.

They are rightfully looking into it.  

Remember, the family has taken money to pay for his travels to UCLA and other recruiting visits that almost cost him his eligibility.

Are you using her outdated Wikipedia page for the $88,000 figure?

[Mufflers]

After the intensity of the last investigation he's pretty dumb to even draw attention to himself by displaying that in public, even if it was a gift from his sister.

He shouldn't have to hide a gift from his sister because ignorant people don't know better.  The raped girl isn't to blame for dressing sexy.

[ChicosBailBonds]

His sister in 5 years of professional tennis has made ~ $88,000.  Clearly the less than $18,000 per year salary is sufficient to buy a $2000 backpack.

They are rightfully looking into it.  

Remember, the family has taken money to pay for his travels to UCLA and other recruiting visits that almost cost him his eligibility.

She's won over 6 figures now.

The backpack can be cheap as $900, if it's even real and not a knockoff.


Now, whether she could afford it or not...who knows.  Then again, look how many college athletes can't "buy their own" jersey at the book store and have an iPhone 5, $400 headphones, a flat screen tv, XBOX 360, etc. 

[chapman]

He shouldn't have to hide a gift from his sister because ignorant people don't know better.  The raped girl isn't to blame for dressing sexy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K1KHqi9bXc

[Jay Bee]

Picked up the same sack for $60 on Canal Street

[Mufflers]

Or it could be the rare case of an athlete spending beyond her means.  Perhaps she knows where the money will be coming from in the future when her brother is in the NBA and she's a washed up tennis player.

[Skitch]

Maybe he clicked one of those awesome links on Scoop for cheap bags...oh wait thats Louis Vouttain

[avid1010]

Of course.  Provided that if he is from money, that money becomes a credible source of the Gucci backpack in question.

you have to be kidding me...every ncaa player walks around with 2+ apple products, 1,000 songs, an xbox, and phone plan with data.  phone plan with data = min. $600 per year; 1,000 songs @ $1 each = $2,000; xbox and games = $300.

it's just dumb...i get the kid has a background, but there's something messed up about looking at a kid with a nice backpack and doing an investigation because he's poor...especially when your own organization of well paid individuals has serious ethical issues.  

[GGGG]

The way the NCAA has handled the Muhammed case is nothing short of a witch hunt.

[Jay Bee]

The way the NCAA has handled the Muhammed case is nothing short of a witch hunt.

I think SM has had 'cases'.

I would also say that if you know the NCAA has been a D to you (and even if they haven't), it's not wise to get in front of the camera and intentionally (?) flaunt your pretty little backpack.