Update: Bowen has been ruled ineligible, Pitino likely will be fired as well:
Greg Postel says one Louisville player (Brian Bowen) has been suspended indefinitely and withheld from practices and workouts.
— Jeff Greer (@jeffgreer) September 27, 2017
Related: Two Five-Star Louisville Commits Open Up Recruitment
Brian Bowen, a former five-star wing in the 2017 class, somewhat shockingly announced his commitment to Louisville before signing day. Bowen, a Saginaw, Michigan native, was long believed to be a Michigan State or Arizona lean. Things are starting to make sense why Bowen picked the Cardinals at the last minute:
It appears federal authorities are alleging Brian Bowen’s family received approximately $100,000 to ensure his commitment to Louisville. https://t.co/jOtnWVSoNb
— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) September 26, 2017
Four assistant coaches have been arrested by FBI on corruption charges. They are Lamont Evans of Oklahoma State, Chuck Person of Auburn, Emanuel Richardson of Arizona and Tony Bland of Southern California. Read more about it here.
To recap the programs involved:
Arizona: Nike school
Auburn: Under Armour school
Oklahoma State: Nike school
USC: Nike school
Charged with federal crime: adidas exec— Alicia Jessop (@RulingSports) September 26, 2017
The Feds believe that the going rate for a top recruit is around $100-$150K:
In case you're curious, the Feds evidently say the going rate for top high school players is $100,000 to $150,000. pic.twitter.com/w5eOM7eAKf
— Brian Hamilton (@_Brian_Hamilton) September 26, 2017
Agent on recruiting scandal: "This has been going on for 30 years. It's not like anyone came up with this. It's a systemic issue."
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) September 26, 2017
Pitino bragging about landing Bowen after he signed:
Rick Pitino literally bragged about having to spend zero dollars to get Brian Bowen when he actually paid 100K behind the scenes. pic.twitter.com/Zn4z6MxuuQ
— Eric Fawcett (@Efawcett7) September 26, 2017
USAO: "We have reached out to the NCAA … Until today, I don't believe they were aware of this investigation."
— Jon Wilner (@wilnerhotline) September 26, 2017
FBI investigation still ongoing, and said that still conducting additional interviews.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) September 26, 2017
And here's the kicker. FBI rep to others in CBB operating this way: "We have your playbook. Our investigation is ongoing…"
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) September 26, 2017
NEW: FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office establishes special phone number for information RELEVANT to NCAA investigation, 212-384-2135. https://t.co/1lFKOybrBx
— Tom Winter (@Tom_Winter) September 26, 2017
