Jeweler in Lance Thomas lawsuit won’t talk to NCAA

DALLAS (AP) — The attorney for the New York jeweler suing former Duke basketball player Lance Thomas says his client isn’t interested in speaking to the NCAA.

Mike Bowers says an NCAA official contacted him Monday to see whether someone from Rafaello & Co. would agree to be interviewed. The firm has filed a lawsuit claiming Thomas purchased nearly $100,000 in jewelry while playing for Duke’s 2010 national championship team and still owes $67,800.

The Dallas attorney says he told the official that the company is declining to cooperate because of the pending litigation.

The suit indicates that Thomas purchased the jewelry by putting $30,000 down and receiving $67,800 in credit. NCAA rules bar college athletes from receiving benefits that aren’t available to all students.