clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Meet the 18 key figures in the FBI’s college basketball corruption probe, for now

Get caught up quickly on who’s involved in the sprawling investigation.

NCAA Basketball: Georgia at Auburn
Auburn assistant Chuck Person, behind head coach Bruce Pearl
John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

The FBI’s investigation into college basketball corruption has already turned up several big names, including assistant coaches at prominent programs and apparel company representatives. The charges brought by federal prosecutors on Tuesday revolve around alleged bribery and fraud schemes.

Here are the most important names and entities to know after the initial wave of charges and complaints. This will be updated as we learn more.

The investigators

  • The FBI: The actual government entity that, unlike the NCAA, is capable of complete and detailed investigations, using subpoenas and all. During a Sept. 26 briefing, FBI assistant director Bill Sweeney and acting U.S. attorney Joon H. Kim said the investigation continues, meaning more names will join this list.
  • The NCAA: The college sports self-governing body was as surprised to learn about all this as you were, but it’s safe to say NCAA sanctions will eventually follow in the FBI’s wake.

College basketball coaches

"We got lucky on this one," Pitino told Terry Meiners of News Radio 840. "I had an AAU director call me and ask me if I'd be interested in a player (Bowen). I saw him against another great player from Indiana. I said 'Yeah, I'd be really interested.' They had to come in unofficially, pay for their hotel, pay for their meals. We spent zero dollars recruiting a five-star athlete who I loved when I saw him play. In my 40 years of coaching this is the luckiest I've been."

  • The Miami Hurricanes, aka “University-7:” The school is alleged to have had an assistant coach work with Adidas executive James Gatto to arrange a payment of $150,000 to a potential 2018 recruit. Gatto and the coach were reportedly worried the recruit would take another bribe for approximately just as much from a rival school and rival apparel company.

Apparel and agents

  • Adidas, aka “Company-1:” Employees and affiliates of the sportswear brand have been charged. Adidas’ formal ties to college basketball include the programs it sponsors as well as AAU teams featuring elite recruits on its travel circuit. A company representative allegedly agreed to make two payments totaling $250,000 to recruits to attend schools they sponsor.

The following individuals have all been charged:

  • James Gatto: The director of global sports marketing for Adidas is accused of working with coaches to bribe recruits to attend Adidas-sponsored basketball programs. The 47-year-old has worked for the company for 23 years.
  • Merl Code: An Adidas employee, Code is with its high school and college basketball programs. He also worked as director of youth basketball for a rival company (not named, but identifiable as Nike). He has been released on $100K bond after appearing in court.
  • Jonathan Brad Augustine: Program director for an amateur high school-aged team (AAU), sponsored by Adidas. Also president of a charity registered in Florida.
  • Christian Dawkins: Employee of an athlete agency through May 2017. Wasn’t an agent, but a “runner.” Wants to start his own agency.
  • Muhish Sood: Founder of an investment services company.
  • Rashan Michel: Founder/operator of a clothing company based in Atlanta and a former NBA and college referee. Best known for being punched by Dominique Wilkins a few years ago. He has been released on $100K bond after appearing in court.