FBI Arrests 10 in First Round of NCAA Investigation Charges

The fabric of college sports as we know it is tearing.

At a press conference Tuesday, four assistant coaches were indicted by federal authorities for their alleged involvement in schemes to steer recruits to agents and financial advisors paying them to do so.

Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the FBI, announced the arrests of 10 individuals–NCAA assistant coaches from Oklahoma State, University of Arizona, USC, and Auburn; three athlete advisors; and a senior executive and two other individuals from Adidas–on charges of wire fraud, bribery, travel act, and conspiracy offenses. 

“For the 10 charged men, the madness of college basketball went well beyond the Big Dance in March,” Kim said Tuesday. “Month after month, the defendants allegedly exploited the hoop dreams of student-athletes around the country, treating them as little more than opportunities to enrich themselves through bribery and fraud schemes. The defendants’ alleged criminal conduct not only sullied the spirit of amateur athletics, but showed contempt for the thousands of players and coaches who follow the rules, and play the game the right way.”

Kim also noted the investigation was ongoing and interviews are still being conducted, issuing the following word of advice, “If you yourself engaged in these activities, I’d encourage you to call us. I think it’s better than us calling you.”

The University of Louisville later issued a statement Tuesday acknowledging its involvement in the FBI’s investigation.

"Today, the University of Louisville received notice that it is included in a federal investigation involving criminal activity related to men's basketball recruiting," said the statement, issued through interim President Greg Postel's office. "We will cooperate fully with any law enforcement or NCAA investigation into the matter."

While it may take months or even years to uncover the complete story of such schemes, officials at the affected schools began taking immediate action, and Postel announced Wednesday morning that head basketball coach Rick Pitino and athletic director Tom Jurich were placed on administrative leave.