Underwood ‘Surprised’ At Arrests Of NCAA Assistant Coaches
Lamont Evans, left, an assistant basketball coach at Oklahoma State University, and his attorney Trace Morgan leave the federal courthouse following a court appearance in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017. Evans is facing federal charges in conjunction with a wide probe of fraud and corruption in the NCAA. Sue Ogrocki/AP
University of Illinois men’s basketball head coach Brad Underwood says he’s “surprised” by the arrest of four NCAA assistant coaches by the FBI this week.
One of those arrested, Lamont Evans, worked under Underwood at Oklahoma State University last season. The two also worked together as assistant coaches at Kansas State and South Carolina.
In a statement issued Wednesday night, Underwood did not say whether he had any knowledge of Evans’ alleged crimes, including taking bribes from shoe company executives and sports marketing agencies to steer players in their direction.
“Like many in our industry, I was surprised by yesterday’s events. From our first conversation in March, Athletic Director Josh Whitman and I have shared a mutual commitment to Illinois Men’s Basketball upholding the highest standards of integrity. I appreciate his ongoing encouragement and support. I stand ready to assist as needed to protect the game of basketball, and those who play it, on our campus and elsewhere.”
In addition to Evans, assistant coaches from Auburn, Arizona, and Southern California were arrested this week. Federal authorities say they’re also investigating the programs at Louisville and Miami of Florida, among others.