What We Know About Each School Implicated in the FBI’s College Basketball Investigation
The college basketball world was turned upside down on Sept. 29 when the the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York laid out findings from an F.B.I. investigation that uncovered mass corruption, bribery and wire fraud involving some of the sport's top programs.
Four assistant coaches were charged with varying violations: Tony Bland of USC, Emanuel "Book" Richardson of Arizona, Lamont Evans of Oklahoma State and Chuck Person of Auburn. No universities nor head coaches have been charged, but the investigation is ongoing, and multiple schools (most notably, Louisville) have been implicated even if no individual from the program has been charged...yet.
It’s a massive story. The U.S. House’s Energy and Commerce Committee has even requested a briefing on the matter.
First, let's outline who the notable non-coaches named in the various suits are. Each of the following men are facing federal charges relating to bribery.
• James "Jim" Gatto — Adidas' global sports marketing director for basketball.
• Merl Code — a former player for Clemson who is now affiliated with Adidas.
• Munish Sood — the founder of Princeton Capital, an investment services firm that, among other ventures, manages professional athletes' money.
• Christian Dawkins — Former agent for ASM Sports
• Jonathan Brad Augustine — Program director for the Orlando-based (and Adidas-sponsored) 1Family AAU team.
• Rashan Michel — Founder and owner of Thompson Bespoke Clothing, a high-end manufacturer based in Atlanta. He was reportedly indicted by a federal grand jury Nov. 7.
Also important to note is the fact that there are three different criminal complaints.
• United States of America v. Chuck Connors Person and Rashan Michel
The scandal has received an overwhelming amount of coverage, with every piece focusing on a different aspect of the investigation. The legal documents outlining the situation are filled with legal jargon. This is an attempt to compile the most important information pertaining to each university and present it in a digestible way.
Louisville
Louisville finds itself engulfed in yet another embarrassing scandal—this one so salacious that even noted escape artist Rick Pitino couldn't pull another Houdini—but no coach from the university has been charged yet.
Louisville is referred to in the U.S. vs. James Gatto complaint, though no individual working at Louisville is named.
What the complaint says
"In or around May of 2017, at the request of at least one coach from University-6, DAWKINS, James Gatto, a/k/a "Jim," MERL CODE, MUNISH SOOD, the defendants and other agreed to funnel $100,000 (payable in four installments) from Company-1 to the family of Player-10. Shortly after the agreement with the family of Player-10 was reached in late May and early June, Player-10 publicly committed to University-6."
And, later:
"Shortly thereafter, Coach-1 left the room, and DAWKINS, AUUSTINE, UC-1 AND CW-1 proceeded to discuss the Player-10 scheme described in paragraphs 27 to 35, supra, and, in particular, the involvement of Coach-2 in securing funding from Company-1 for Player-10's family. DAWKINS, who had been negotiaating directly with Player-10's family, noted that Company-1 had originally agreed to pay a "certain number" to Player-10's family, but that a rival athletic capparel company was "coming with a higher number," such that DAWKINS needed to "get more" from Company-1 to secure Player-20's commitment to attend University-6. DAWKINS then said that he had spoken with Coach-2 about getting additional money for Player-10's family and informed Coach-2 that "I need you to call Jim Gatto, [the defendant,] who's the head of everything" at Company-1's basketball program.
Based on my review of call records, I am aware that on or about May 27, 2017, JAMES GATTO, a/k/a "Jim," the defendant, had two telephone conversations with a phone number used by Coach-2."
What it alleges
Gatto, Code and Sood paid $100,000 at the request of at least one Louisville coach to Player-10 to get him to commit to Louisville, have Sood manage his money and sign with Adidas upon entering the NBA. Player-10 then committed to Louisville and has been suspended indefinitely.
University-6 is Louisville. We know this because it's described in the suit as a public research university in Kentucky with approximately 22,640 students and 21 varsity sports teams; Louisville's official enrollment is 22,640 and it fields, you guessed it, 21 varsity sports teams. Player-10 appears to be Brian Bowen, as he's the only guy to commit to Louisville in that late-May, early-June time frame (plus, he's the type of five star who could cost $100,000).
The second and third paragraphs is where we see really damning accusations against Pitino. Pitino is believed to be Coach-2, which means this complain accuses him of calling Gatto after being told Bowen needed more money. The third of three calls between Pitino and Gatto came two days before Bowen’s commitment. If you connect the dots, the complaint alleges that Pitino did indeed have direct knowledge of the pay-for-commitment scheme.
Personnel Changes
Pitino was put on administrative leave a day after the complaints were released, and he was officially fired on Oct. 16. Pitino has sued both Adidas and Louisville. Louisville is suing Pitino for "wrongful conduct" detrimental to the university. Louisville hired David Padgett, who coached under Pitino last season, as its new head coach. Louisville also fired assistant coach Jordan Fair and placed another assistant, Kenny Johnson, on paid leave.
Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich also lost his job as a result of the scandal.
Bowen was immediately suspended from basketball activities but remains a student at Louisville. He has reportedly hired an attorney in hopes of eventually being reinstated.
Two five-star recruits—Anfernee Simons and Courtney Ramey—have decommitted from Louisville as a result of the scandal.
Arizona
What the complaint says
"(Undercover Agent)-1, working with CHRISTIAN DAWKINS and MUNISH SOOD, the defendants, paid and/or facilitated the payment of $20,000 in bribes to Emanuel Richardson, a/k/a 'Book,' the defendant, some of which RICHARDSON appears to have kept for himself and some of which he appears to have provided to at least one prospective high school basketball player ('Player-5') in order to recruit Player-5 to play for University-4. In exchange for the bribe payments, RICHARDSON agreed to use his influence over the student-athletes he coached to pressure them to retain DAWKINS and SOOD as a manager and financial advisor, respectively."
What it alleges
A government agent, in conjunction with Dawkins and Sood, paid Arizona assistant Book Richardson $20,000 so he'd use his clout with Arizona players to sway them toward Dawkins' and Soot's respective businesses. Richardson kept some of the money and gave some to a recruit, believed to be 2018 point guard Jahvon Quinerly.
It's also important to note the Adidas officials—Gatto and Code—aren't implicated in this part of the scheme, as Arizona is a Nike school.
But that's not the only nefarious action Arizona is accused of participating in. There's something really nasty hidden in a part of a complaint that addresses allegations about Miami (we'll get to them later).
What the complaint says
"CODE discussed with GATTO... the involvement of CHRISTIAN DAWKINS and JONATHAN BRAD AUGUSTINE, the defendants, in the scheme to facilitate payments to Player-12 in order to secure Player12's commitment to attend University-7. CODE explained that another Division I university ('University-4') was offering Player-12 $150,000 'and we're trying to keep him from going to one of their schools.'"
What it alleges
Code is trying to get Gatto to agree to pay "Player-12" $150,000 to commit to Miami instead of Arizona.
We know "University-4" is Arizona because it's described in a separate complaint as the school that employs Book Richardson. We also know that Miami is University-7 because the school has confirmed it is being investigated and University-7 is the only school named in the case that fits Miami's description.
Player-12 is believed to be five-star recruit Nassir Little, who plays for Augustine's AAU team—Augustine is accused of funneling Player-12 the money— and was being targeted by Arizona and Miami.
Little's family denies asking for or being offered any money for his commitment.
Personnel changes
Little ended up committing to North Carolina.
Arizona fired Richardson. He has been charged with conspiracy to commit bribery, solicitation of bribes by an agent of a federally funded organization, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, wire fraud conspiracy and travel act conspiracy. He's currently out on $50,000 bail but was indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 8.
Sean Miller remains the head coach of an Arizona team that is ranked third in the preseason AP Poll and favored to win the Pac-12.
After Richardson's arrest, Miller released a statement saying he was "devastated" to learn of the allegations and that he will comply with any investigations into the matter. The statement did not acknowledge any wrongdoing on his part, and he insisted that he has done all he can to "promote and reinforce a culture of compliance."
Miami
Like Louisville, no individual at Miami has been charged, but the school is referenced in the complaint against Gatto, Code, Dawkins and Augustine.
What the complaint says
"JAMES GATTO, a/k/a "Jim," MERL CODE, CHRISTIAN DAWKINS, and JONATHAN BRAD AUGUSTINE, the defendants, and other known and unknown, conspired to illicitly funnel approximately $150,000 from Company-1 to Player-12, another top high school basketball player expected to graduate in 2018, to assist one or more coaches at University-7 in securing Player-12's commitment to play at University-7, and to further ensure that Player-12 ultimately signed with DAWKINS and with Company-1 upon entering a professional league."
"CHRISTIAN DAWKINS and MERL CODE, the defendants, discussed—on a telephone call intercepted over the Dawkins Wiretap—paying Player-12 and/or his family at the request of at least one coach at University-7 ("Coach-3"). During the call, DAWKINS and CODE discussed the involvement of Coach-3 in ensuring that Company-1 would funnel payments to Player-12 in order to secure Player-12's committment to play at Univeristy-7. In particular, on the call, DAWKINS told CODE that, according to JONATHAN BRAD AUGUSTINE, the defendant, "[Coach-3] knows everything," and that they could "start the process" to funnel the payments to Player-12 in order to ensure that Player-12 would commit to attend University-7 upon his graduation in 2018."
What it alleges
Gatto, Code, Dawkins and Augustine funneled $150,000 to a player, likely Nassir Little, to get him to commit to Miami, then sign with Adidas and Dawkins' agency once turning pro. This is the scheme described above involving Miami and Arizona.
What's interesting here is the mention of Coach-3, whom the complaint alleges knew about the bribes. Miami head coach Jim Larranaga told reporters that he is indeed Coach-3, but also said he's done nothing wrong and neither have any of his assistants. That would seem to suggest that Larranaga believes either Dawkins or Augustine was lying when they told Code that Coach-3 knew about the scheme.
We know University-7 is Miami because it's described as a private D-I university in Florida with 16,000 students, and Miami is the only school that fits that description.
Personnel changes
Nassir Little eventually committed to North Carolina.
Larranaga remains the head coach at Miami and has been steadfast regarding his absolute innocence. “I cannot state more emphatically that I absolutely have no knowledge of any wrongdoing by any member of our staff and I certainly have never engaged in the conduct that some have speculated about,” Larranga said. He turned over phone calls and documents to government officials.
USC
What the complaint says
"CHRISTIAN DAWKINS, and MUNISH SOOD, the defendants, working with (Undercover Agent)-1, paid and/or facilitated the payment of at least $13,000 in bribes to ANTHONY BLAND, a/k/a "Tony," the defendant, in exchange for BLAND's agreement to exert his official influence over certain student-athletes that BLAND coached to retain DAWKINS and SOOD's business management and/or financial advisory services once those players entered the NBA. In addition, and as part of the scheme, DAWKINS and SOOD paid and/or facilitated the payment of an additional $9,000 directly to the families of two student-athletes at University-5 at BLAND's direction.
What it alleges
Dawkins and Sood paid Bland $13,000 to get him to nudge USC players to their respective businesses. The $9,000 went to two families—one incoming freshman and one rising junior—for similar reasons. We know "University-5" is USC because it's described as a private D-I university with over 40,000 students, and it's the school Bland is recruiting for.
Personnel changes
Bland was arrested and subsequently released on $100,000 bail. He is no longer with the program and was indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 8.
Head coach Andy Enfield avoided getting into Bland’s arrest in his initial meeting with reporters. “The situation this week with Coach Bland has been difficult and very challenging and emotional for all of us,” Enfield said, according to the LA Times. “Due to the situation, I’m not allowed to comment, I’ve been instructed not to comment.” When asked about Bland's antics at Pac-12 media day, Enfield said he found out when everybody else did but wouldn't comment further.
Four-star recruit J'Raan Brooks decommitted from USC due to "unforeseen circumstances from the recent news that has come to light in regards to the Trojan basketball program."
While the report does refer to two players currently on the USC basketball team, the players have not been identified and every player on the roster has been participating in preseason activities.
Sophomore De'Anthony Melton, who is linked to the investigation, has not played this season due to "a potential eligibility issue," according to the school. His absence is thought to be tied to the F.B.I.'s investigation.
Oklahoma State
What the complaint says
"MUNISH SOOD, the defendant, and (Cooperating Witness)-1 — having learned from CHRISTIAN DAWKINS, the defendant, that DAWKINS prevoiusly had paid bribes to LAMONT EVANS, the defendant, in order to obtain access to student-athletes coached by EVANS — paid at least $22,000 in bribes to EVANS in exchange for EVANS' agreement to exert his official influence over certain student athletes, first at University-2 and then at University-3, to retain SOOD and (Cooperating Witness)-1's business advisory and/or investment management services once those players entered the NBA."
What it alleges
Before coming to Oklahoma State, Evans was an assistant to Frank Martin at South Carolina for four seasons. He received a total of at least $22,000 in bribes from Sood and the cooperating witness. He was paid roughly $2,000 per month. The bribes started while he was at South Carolina and continued after he joined Brad Underwood's staff at Oklahoma State before the 2016 season.
One Oklahoma State player is identified, "Player-4," who Evans described as "the motherf----- that's scoring 22 points a game."
We know "University-3" is Oklahoma State because its description as a public research university with 25,000 students matches Oklahoma State, and it's where Evans was employed.
Personnel changes
Evans, who was arrested and released on $50,000 bond, was fired on Sept. 28. Evans has been indicted by a federal grand jury.
Underwood has since left Oklahoma State for the Illinois job. He released the following statement via the Illinois Athletic Department: “Like many in our industry, I was surprised by yesterday’s events. From our first conversation in March, athletic director Josh Whitman and I have shared a mutual commitment to Illinois men’s basketball upholding the highest standards of integrity. I appreciate his ongoing encouragement and support. I stand ready to assist as needed to protect the game of basketball, and those who play it, on our campus and elsewhere.”
Four-star recruit Antwann Jones, who was ranked No. 45 in the class of 2018 by ESPN, decommitted from Oklahoma State. He tweeted: "Due to the recent events that have taken place, my family and I have decided it's in my best interest to de-commit from Oklahoma State University."
Mike Boynton is now the head coach at Oklahoma State. He's said he does not fear he'll lose his job in the wake of the scandal.
OSU forward Jeffrey Carroll is out indefinitely, pending review of the program the school announced Nov. 10. He will still practice with the team but miss games, including the school's opener against Pepperdine on Nov. 10. Carroll was expected to be the Cowboys' top performer this year, averaging 17.5 points and 6.6 rebounds last season.
South Carolina
No individual from South Carolina has been charged, and the university is mentioned only in connection with Evans.
South Carolina head coach Frank Martin said his university is not being investigated.
Auburn
What the complaint says
"(RASHAN) MICHEL told (Cooperating Witness-1) that CHUCK CONNORS PERSON, the defendant, needed money, and exchange for such money, PERSON would agree to steer student-athletes on University-1's Division I men's basketball team to retain (Cooperating Witness)-1 's financial advisory and business management services, as well as MICHEL's services as a suit maker."
What it alleges
Person received bribes from Michel, the owner of the clothing label. In exchange, Person would tell his players to use the Cooperating Witness as a financial advisor and buy suits from Michel. The document features multiple anecdotes in which Person negotiates for more money; he brags about the quality of players coming to Auburn and about his level of influence over them. In total, Person was paid $91,500 over a 10-month period.
We know "University-1" is Auburn because of its description as a public research university located in Alabama. It is also referred to as Person's alma mater, and Person went to Auburn.
Player suspensions/personnel changes
Person was arrested on six federal charges of fraud and conspiracy and was reportedly indicted by a federal grand jury Nov. 7. He has been suspended indefinitely without pay by Auburn.
Two Auburn players, sophomores Austin Wiley and Danjel Purifoy, have been suspended indefinitely.
Five-star recruit E.J. Montgomery decommitted from Auburn shortly after Person's arrest went public.
Video coordinator Frankie Sullivan and special assistant Jordan VerHulst were put on administrative leave as a result of the school's internal investigation. Auburn offered refunds to season-ticket holders shortly after the school was referenced in the F.B.I. complaint.
Bruce Pearl remains the head coach at Auburn.
