Shabazz Muhammad’s Gucci backpack a gift from mother and sister

UCLA freshman Shabazz Muhammad’s Gucci backpack, thrust into the limelight by an Internet reporter’s observation, was a “birthday and Christmas gift,” Ron Holmes, his father, said Friday.

Holmes said the gift was purchased by Muhammad’s mother and sister. He also said that the family has provided UCLA’s compliance office with receipts.

A Yahoo! Sports reporter mentioned the backpack in a story about the Bruins’ 84-73 victory over Arizona on Thursday, noting that it was worth at least $1,000. The reporter did not ask Muhammad about the backpack.

UCLA Coach Ben Howland said Friday that UCLA’s compliance office would look into the matter.

Asked whether the situation was overblown, Howland said, “I don’t even want to give an opinion.”

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