The FBI's extensive investigation into college basketball has already had far-reaching effects. In addition to the arrests of assistant coaches from programs like Arizona, Auburn and Miami, the scandal has already brought down a Hall of Fame coach in Louisville's Rick Pitino.
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As you may imagine, the hits keep coming in the college sports world, though, and the latest is in Tuscaloosa. Alabama AD Greg Byrne announced that men's basketball administrator Kobie Baker has resigned. (via CBS Sports)
"Following yesterday's reports from New York regarding a Federal investigation of intercollegiate athletics, the University of Alabama Department of Athletics immediately initiated an internal review of our men's basketball operations. As a result, we have accepted the resignation effective today of Kobie Baker, a men's basketball administrator. Our review has not identified any NCAA or SEC rules violations nor the involvement of any other coach or staff member. We have notified both of the governing bodies of the actions we have taken. As always, we will continue to be proactive in our compliance efforts."
A report from The Tuscaloosa News sheds additional light on the situation, indicating that "Baker may have been involved in a scheme to accept money in return for directing a UA player to sign with an Atlanta financial advisor after declaring for the NBA draft."
This is obviously a bad look for Alabama and, while Baker is no longer on the payroll, that does not cover the Crimson Tide when it comes to future investigation. In addition, the Tuscaloosa News report indicates that the investigation may involve top-flight point guard prospect Collin Sexton, who was recruited by Baker (out of Atlanta) just a year ago. Stay tuned for more fallout but this is an ever-evolving story at this point.
