Witness talks Self texts

Lawyers for a former Adidas executive who’s a defendant at a college basketball corruption trial zeroed in Monday on communications between a recruiting fixer and the head coach at Kansas. On cross-examination in federal court in Manhattan, a key government witness, ex-Adidas consultant Thomas “T.J.” Gassnola, was confronted with a record logging a call with Coach Bill Self, as well as texts he exchanged with Self. The communications occurred amid what prosecutors say was a scheme by Gassnola, former Adidas executive James Gatto and two other defendants to funnel secret cash payments to the families of top-flight prospects to steer them toward programs sponsored by the sportswear company. In the texts last year, Gassnola told Self he was in touch with the guardian of Jayhawks recruit Silvio De Sousa. Prosecutors say De Sousa was among recruits whose fami- lies were offered payments of up to $100,000 in covert deals financed by Adidas. Self responded: “We good,” according to a defense exhibit of the communication. Gassnola said: “Always. That was light work. The ball is in his court now.” That same day, Gassnola asked Self to call him when he had five minutes. Defense attorney Michael Schachter told jurors records show there later was a conversation between Self’s phone and Gassnola lasting almost exactly five minutes. “Do you recall what you wanted to discuss with Coach Self alone?” Schachter asked. “I don’t,” Gassnola responded.