The podcast explores the underground economy created by the NCAA's amateurism rules and the influence of youth teams in recruiting top players. It uncovers a youth coach in Florida seeking funding from shoe companies in exchange for influence. The investigation into the bribery scandal in college basketball, involving coaches, players, and apparel companies, is highlighted. Wiretaps, undercover agents, and recorded conversations serve as evidence in this shocking scandal.
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Quick takeaways
The youth teams delivering top recruits could serve as a go-between for peddling influence in college basketball.
The bag game scandal uncovered a network of bribery and corruption involving coaches at top college basketball programs.
Deep dives
Brad Augustine's career in basketball and debt
Brad Augustine worked his way up in the world of commercial flooring from forklift driver to sales rep over two years. He had a successful youth basketball program called Showtime Hoops but was struggling financially and went into debt to support the team. Augustine's career in basketball came to an end when he got caught up in a pay-for-play scandal that implicated him in one of college basketball's biggest bribery scandals.
The role of Christian Dawkins and the FBI sting
Christian Dawkins, a rising sports business manager, introduced Brad Augustine to undercover FBI agents posing as investors. The FBI had set up a meeting at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas where Augustine was given money to steer a player to the University of Louisville. Unbeknownst to Augustine, the meeting was secretly recorded, leading to his arrest and implication in the bribery scandal.
Investigation by the Southern District of New York
The Southern District of New York (SDNY) prosecutor's office started investigating the bag game with the help of a financial advisor turned informant named Marty Blazer. The investigation involved wiretaps, undercover meetings, and evidence such as emails and text messages. The prosecution built a case against Brad Augustine and other conspirators involved in the corruption scheme.
Reactions and consequences
Brad Augustine, like others involved in the scandal, was surprised to find out that what he had done was not just an NCAA violation, but a crime. The arrests made by the FBI and the subsequent indictment sent shockwaves through the world of college basketball, as coaches at top programs were implicated. Augustine's basketball career came to an end as he faced the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence.
The NCAA’s amateurism rules kept schools from paying players like Billy, so money wouldn't sway their college decision. But Paula learns how the youth teams delivering top recruits could serve as a go-between, where influence could be peddled. We hear one youth coach in Florida court much-needed funding from big-time shoe companies, only to land in hot water for what he promises in return. He didn’t know he was being recorded. The bag game unravels, as the feds’ secret investigation comes to light.