Ad Disclosure
Report: FBI wiretaps show Arizona coach Sean Miller discussed $100K payment to lock star freshman DeAndre Ayton
By SDS Staff
Published:
The University of Arizona basketball job just may be open and soon.
According to a report by ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, the FBI has a wiretap of Arizona head coach Sean Miller discussing a $100,000 payment to secure then-5-star recruit DeAndre Ayton with Christian Dawkins, a runner working for ASM Sports agent Andy Miller. Dawkins is a key figure in the FBI’s investigation.
Here’s a snippet from ESPN’s report:
FBI wiretaps intercepted telephone conversations between Arizona coach Sean Miller and Christian Dawkins, a key figure in the FBI’s investigation into college basketball corruption, in which Miller discussed paying $100,000 to ensure star freshman Deandre Ayton signed with the Wildcats, sources familiar with the government’s evidence told ESPN.
It all but appeared that Ayton was down to Kansas and Kentucky, and then, the high school star chose Arizona. It appears now we know why.
Star center Deandre Ayton was 87-percent to Kansas, 13-percent to Kentucky in @247Sports Crystal Ball. Shocks everyone – except, apparently, Sean Miller – by picking Arizona. $100,000 will do that. https://t.co/WLx4t0GY65
— Chris Anderson (@CMAnderson247) February 24, 2018
Arizona has looked like a national championship contender this season, but this may certainly change things. Ayton is one of the top players in the entire country, averaging 19.6 points and 10.9 rebounds.
Earlier Friday, Yahoo! Sports released a blockbuster report on several big-time college basketball players and programs. Specifically in the SEC, Kentucky, Alabama, South Carolina, LSU, and Vanderbilt were all named.
The FBI’s investigation into college basketball could claim its second coaching victim in Miller. Former Louisville coach Rick Pitino was the first.
Saturday Down South reports and comments on the news around the Southeastern Conference as well as larger college football topics.
