A story atop ESPN.com’s front page claims Arizona head basketball coach Lute Olson, 74, is stepping down after having missed the entire 2007-08 campaign while on a leave of absence. The University, however, disputes the veracity of Dick Vitale’s claim, according to the Tuscon Citizen :
“Nothing has changed,” UA sports information official Richard Paige said. “Lute is still our coach.”
Olson missed the annual Rotary Club luncheon on Wednesday, and assistant Reggie Geary spoke in his place.
On Tuesday, Olson met with reporters during media day and said, “energy is not a problem.”
UA sophomore forward Jamelle Horne told the Citizen earlier this week that Olson looked fine in practice.
“You’re constantly bumping into him during drills because he wants you to realize he’s back,” Horne said. “He’s getting after it. He’s been yelling at everyone.”