Sports Illustrated lands big story on UCLA basketball

George Dohrmann, the Pulitzer-winning senior writer for Sports Illustrated, has a story in the March 5 issue detailing alleged recreational drug use and other disciplinary problems he says were allowed to fester in recent years in the UCLA men's basketball program. The main focuses of the story are on player Reeves Nelson, dismissed from the team last year, and coach Ben Howland. UCLA officials are holding a teleconference call with media right about now, and have some initial responses on campus websites. "I have discussed the Sports Illustrated story with Coach Howland and Chancellor Block and we will continue to address any issues and concerns," says Athletic Director Dan Guerrero. "Like many in the Bruin family, I am disappointed. That said, I know that we have, and will continue to provide, the necessary resources, education and support for all of our coaches, staff and student-athletes."

Dohrmann, who is based in San Francisco, is a former Los Angeles Times staffer (he covered USC basketball) and author of the 2010 book on youth basketball, "Play Their Hearts Out."