Louisville is in the news today thanks to allegations they paid for the commitment of a top recruit.
Around $100,000 was allegedly funneled to recruit Brian Bowen’s family in return for his commitment, according to multiple reports. The news was released after massive raids against basketball coaches across the country.
It appears federal authorities are alleging Brian Bowen’s family received approximately $100,000 to ensure his commitment to Louisville. https://t.co/jOtnWVSoNb
— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) September 26, 2017
The indictment says it was a commitment to UL on June 3 that was subject of bribe….it looks like Brian Bowen committed on June 3
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) September 26, 2017
Reading between lines not so hard: this details how Louisville got commitment from All-American Brian Bowen in June — for $100K: pic.twitter.com/azXgMKYIl8
— Andrew Das (@AndrewDasNYT) September 26, 2017
This is what allegedly went on that the school that appears to be Louisville. 100k funneled to a recruit in exchange for commitment. pic.twitter.com/gyzkKaTcfM
— Jeff Eisenberg (@JeffEisenberg) September 26, 2017
I hate to say this, but you’re a moron if you are surprised by any of this news. I grew up in the sports world and spent time in college among some of the best athletes on the planet. Here is the reality of the situation: some elite athletes illegally take money.
It doesn’t happen everywhere, and it doesn’t happen with everybody, but it most certainly occurs. It’s simply the nature of the beast. Teams want to win, and there will always be people willing to cross the line in order to get that done. If that means writing a $100,000 check to secure a player’s services, then that’s what you do.
I once jokingly asked a guy with a talented son how much it’d take for his son to sign with a specific team. He didn’t even hesitate before he answered with $50,000. He was willingly to throw a price around to me, and we didn’t know each other too well.
Now imagine what’s going on with actual power brokers in the room. The only part about this whole thing that’s slightly surprising to me is only $100,000 was allegedly required to secure the commitment. In 2010, the going rate for a guaranteed NBA prospect coming out of high school was around $180,000.
Open your eyes and recognize that this stuff is happening all the time.