N.C.A.A Coaches, Adidas Executives Face Bribery Charges

On Tuesday, federal authorities brought fraud and bribery charges against an Adidas executive and coaches at some of the premier college basketball programs in the country, after a major probe.

Some of these colleges include the University of Arizona and the University of Louisville. Up to ten people may be charged.

The United States attorney for the Southern District of New York said in a statement that since 2015, the F.B.I. and federal prosecutors have been investigating “the criminal influence of money on coaches and student-athletes who participate in intercollegiate basketball governed by the N.C.A.A.”

According to The New York Times, five people will be hit with wire fraud and money laundering charges, in an effort to pay high school athletes to attend specific educational institutions.

The bribes also aimed to get commitments from college stars to work with specific agents and companies after turning into professional athletes.

The New York Times also reported that a third indictment charged three assistant coaches with “solicitation of bribery for accepting payments to steer players to specific agents”.

“Today, we became aware that federal investigators arrested an Adidas employee. We are learning more about the situation,” Adidas said in a statement. “We’re unaware of any misconduct and will fully cooperate with authorities to understand more.”

The indictments appeared to be a surprise to the universities.

Oklahoma State said in a statement: “We were surprised to learn this morning of potential actions against one of our assistant basketball coaches by federal officials. We are reviewing and investigating the allegations. We are cooperating fully with officials.”

Dave Paulsen, the head coach at George Mason, said on Twitter: “Sickened but, unfortunately, not shocked by these revelations. Horrible stain on our profession.”