Manhattan: Steve Masiello on leave

— -- NEW YORK -- Manhattan College has placed coach Steve Masiello on leave while he reviews his degree status at the University of Kentucky, the school announced Wednesday.

Masiello had reached an agreement in principle to become coach at South Florida, but the agreement was then terminated after that school conducted a background check.

Manhattan also confirmed Wednesday that Masiello has not resigned as the Jaspers' coach.

"As a result of a background check commissioned by the University of South Florida, Manhattan College has learned there is a question of the validity of head men's basketball coach Steve Masiello's undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky," reads a statement from Manhattan. "Masiello is currently in the process of reviewing his degree status with the University of Kentucky. Manhattan College has placed Masiello on leave while he completes this process with the university."

A bachelor's degree is required of Manhattan's coach, Manhattan spokesman Peter McHugh told the New York Times. Concerning Masiello's future at