Two face felony charges in tennis investigation

The UGA Police Department’s investigation of the school’s tennis program has resulted in two individuals facing felony charges.

A warrant was issued Monday for former men’s assistant head coach Bo Hodge, who was charged with a felony for purchasing a controlled substance and a misdemeanor of theft by taking. He was suspended indefinitely by the school in May when the investigation began. His position has since been filled by former player Jamie Hunt, who was hired a couple of weeks ago after holding the same position at Vanderbilt.

Also arrested as a result of the investigation was Alex Diaz, the son of head coach Manuel “Manny” Diaz. Alex Diaz was booked on one felony charge of selling a controlled substance.

Manuel Diaz responded to requests for comment with a brief text:

“It is unfortunate my son Alex is involved in this situation,” Diaz said. “He is a great kid. Because it is an ongoing legal matter, I cannot comment any further at this time.”

The charges “resulted from investigation into complaint of the possible theft and mishandling of prescription medication.”

It should be noted that UGA women’s tennis associate head coach Drake Bernstein was not arrested. Bernstein also was suspended indefinitely when the investigation began, but his position has not been filled.

Neither Hodge nor Alex Diaz were listed on Tuesday’s inmate log for the Athens-Clarke County Jail. If and when they might be incarcerated is unclear.

On May 5, the week before UGA hosted the NCAA Tennis Championships, UGA police investigation launched an investigation into the possible theft and mishandling of prescription medication involving a number of individuals within the tennis program.” Manuel Diaz was listed as the complainant on the initial incident report. Simultaneously, UGA confirmed its respective associate head coaches were suspended indefinitely.

An arrest warrant was issued Monday for Bo Hodge.