NCAA coaches among 10 arrested by FBI in fraud and corruption probe

(NBC News/AP) – Federal prosecutors in Florida Florida manhattan have just announced charges against assistant and associate head coaches of several prominent NCAA Division 1 basketball programs, along with business associates of major sports apparel providers in a fraud and corruption investigation in college basketball.

Arrests were made by the FBI across the country last night, a senior law enforcement official tells NBC News.

According to NBC News Investigative Reporter Tom Winter, the following coaches have been charged:

Lamont Evans of Oklahoma State
Chuck Person of Auburn University
Emanuel Richardson of Arizona
Tony Bland of USC

The coaches are among 10 people charged in New York City federal court. Others included Florida managers, financial advisers and representatives of a major international sportswear company.

In court papers, prosecutors said the FBI has since 2015 been investigating the criminal influence of money on coaches and student-athletes who participate in intercollegiate basketball governed by the NCAA.

They said the probe has revealed numerous instances of bribes paid by athlete advisers, including financial advisers and associate basketball coaches, to assistant and associate basketball coaches to exert influence over student athletes.

The criminal complaint said agents and advisers tried to recruit players early in their careers and paid athletes and/or their families. The complaint said that Adidas’ Jim Gatto arranged payments to high school basketball players and/or their families in exchange for commitment.

The criminal complaint consists of more than 120 pages of documents. We will continue to update this story as new details are learned.

The FBI and US Attorney’s Office have created a phone number for tips regarding the NCAA investigation (212) 384-2135.

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