Minneapolis ? Former University of Minnesota basketball coach Clem Haskins will not be prosecuted for his role in an academic cheating scandal that led to his dismissal, his attorney said Wednesday.

Haskins’ attorney, Ron Meshbesher, said he spoke with Justice Department prosecutor Joe Walker on Wednesday morning and was told: “The government is not intending to prosecute Clem Haskins.”

Meshbesher said Walker declined to give any reasons. Until Wednesday, Meshbesher had not spoken to federal prosecutors since Oct. 18.

Last week, Meshbesher and the university reached a tentative agreement that called for Haskins to repay some of the $1.5 million he received when his contract was bought out in June 1999.

University officials said Haskins lied to obtain the buyout. Haskins’ attorney said the university rushed into the buyout even though it had evidence to suspect he was involved in the cheating, and moved to recover it only after it was criticized.

An arbitrator will set the amount by April 30, and that will be submitted to Hennepin County District Judge Deborah Hedlund for approval.