This FBI Trial Into College Basketball's Scandal Is Absolutely Worthless: Miami Edition

The FBI trial into college basketball obviously had its first trial. I’ve blogged about it a ton. However, we are nearing the end in the trial against Jim Gatto (Adidas executive), Merl Code (former Adidas consultant) and Christian Dawkins (runner/agent). The jury deliberated for four hours yesterday and was unable to come out with a decision.

However, that’s not the important thing here. The important thing here is there was one decision made. Miami is no longer listed in the indictment. Remember, the argument is these schools (Kansas, NC State, Louisville and Miami) were being called victims. That’s no longer the case for Miami. Both sides agreed that Miami was irrelevant in the case and should be cleared of any legal (and possible NCAA) sanctions.

Remember, Miami was originally listed as University-7 when the documents came out over a year ago. Miami was originally connected to allegedly offering to pay for Nassir Little to commit to Miami. That obviously didn’t happen and there was no proof that any money was exchanged for his commitment.

This is continuing to show one thing though. This trial is absolutely worthless. We’re wasting our time and really the argument comes down to NCAA sanctions. Can you really tell me that these schools are victims for getting players that they want in order to help succeed thus leading to more money based on the NCAA Tournament? Fuck outta here. It’s a joke to think these guys committed some sort of fraud. The other thing, let’s stop calling this the ‘dark underbelly of college basketball.’ Paying players isn’t some dark underbelly. It’s receiving compensation for your market value. It’s as simple as that. Let’s stop trying to act like there’s some moral high ground or what’s happening is some dirty job. It’s not.

Now, as for Miami it gets to breathe a sigh of relief for now. The NCAA will do its own investigation, but I simply don’t know what they’ll find since people won’t be willing to talk to the NCAA like it has to with the FBI. Miami is still recruiting at a high level. The Hurricanes are going after 5-star Vernon Carey. They currently have the No. 32 recruiting class for next year led by 4-star Isaiah Wong.