NCAA hits USC with 2 years’ probation, fine
The NCAA hit Southern California’s men’s basketball program with two years’ probation and a $5,000 fine on Thursday because a former assistant coach violated NCAA ethical conduct rules when he accepted a bribe to steer players to a business management company.
The Division I Committee on Infractions announced the penalties, which include a 1% loss of the school’s basketball budget. The probation, which does not include a postseason ban, runs until April 14, 2023.
Tony Bland, the former associate head coach under coach Andy Enfield, wasn’t mentioned by name in the NCAA report. He was fired by the school in January 2018 and later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery.
As part of his plea deal with federal prosecutors, Bland acknowledged accepting a $4,100 bribe during a July 2017 meeting with financial advisers and business managers in exchange for directing players to retain their services when they entered the pro ranks. He received two years’ probation.
Government recordings from the meetings revealed Bland had touted his ability to connect the company with current or prospective players, noting he had heavy influence over their decisions.
The meetings violated NCAA rules that prohibit athletics staff from receiving benefits for facilitating or arranging a meeting between a player and an agent or financial adviser.
Michigan’s Livers not returning for extra year
Michigan senior Isaiah Livers is not returning for an extra year of eligibility.
A team spokesman confirmed Livers’ decision Thursday. At this point, guard Eli Brooks is the only Michigan player expected to take advantage of the extra year that the NCAA is allowing because of the coronavirus pandemic.
That means Michigan loses Livers, guard Mike Smith, guard Chaundee Brown and forward Austin Davis from this year’s team that won the Big Ten title and reached the Elite Eight.
Arizona taps Gonzaga’s Lloyd as head coach
Arizona has hired longtime Gonzaga assistant Tommy Lloyd as its men’s basketball coach.
The school said Wednesday that Lloyd will receive a five-year contract, pending approval by the Arizona Board of Regents.
Lloyd replaces Sean Miller, who was fired after 12 years on April 7 amid an NCAA infractions investigation.