Fresno State finds no signs of point-shaving

     Associated Press
      FRESNO, Calif. -- Fresno State announced Thursday that an internal investigation has found no evidence of point-shaving by basketball players. But the report conceded that the university lacks the subpoena or investigatory powers of the federal government.
      The FBI and a federal grand jury are investigating allegations that guards Dominick Young and Chris Herren shaved points at the behest of gamblers last season. Both have denied point-shaving, an illegal practice in which a player tries to keep a game's winning margin below the point spread to benefit certain gamblers.
      The federal investigation is not expected to be completed for several weeks or perhaps months.
      Fresno State Vice President Benjamin Quillian "has been unable to find evidence of point shaving," the university reported in a news release.
      "Also, there is absolutely no evidence that any members of the coaching staff had any involvement in point-shaving activities," the release added. "Similarly, there is no evidence that basketball players have knowingly been consorting with reputed gamblers or received special benefits from such individuals."
      The Fresno Bee has reported that Young was seen last season with one reputed local gambler, Kirk Vartanian, and Herren visited the pawn shop of another reputed gambler, Dan Jelladian.
      The Bee has contended that Vartanian placed large bets that Fresno State would not beat the point spread in several games, and the Los Angeles Times reported that a pawn broker persuaded one player to shave points.
      Fresno State's press release reiterated past statements from President John Welty that the university's investigation disclosed no evidence of point shaving.
      But the statement added that Quillian told an advisory committee "the university is ill-equipped to conduct an investigation into point-shaving. The university has neither subpoena power nor the authority to impose penalties upon individuals not affiliated with the university."
      Quillian is recommending a review of policies, procedures and practices regarding distribution of complimentary tickets to university athletic events.
      It has been revealed that basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian receives 90 tickets for each home game. The Bee said Vartanian received 42 complimentary tickets last season from Tarkanian's personal business agent, Jose Elgorriaga Jr.